The Scottish government has announced a £17m increase to help meet its commitment to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the course of this parliament – and a further £300m has also been committed for 2021-22 to ensure affordable homes continue to be delivered above and beyond the current parliamentary term.

Scottish communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Ensuring everyone has access to a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is at the heart of our ambition for a fairer Scotland. The 2020-21 Scottish budget adds to the single biggest investment and delivery of affordable housing since devolution.

“The Scottish government has now committed more than £3.5bn to deliver good quality, secure and affordable homes, which will in turn help create strong, sustainable communities. Since 2007 we have delivered more than 89,000 affordable homes, including 61,356 for social rent, with the remainder for affordable home ownership and affordable rent.

“Importantly, our spending plans also include a £300m commitment to guarantee that affordable homes continue to be delivered beyond our 50,000 target, ensuring councils, housing associations and the construction sector have some financial certainty ahead of the spending review in June.”