Responding to the Scottish Government's discussion document on housing, Firm Foundations: The Future of Housing in Scotland, Shelter Scotland welcomed moves to increase housing supply in Scotland.

But the charity warned that the new target must include 10,000 affordable homes for rent a year for the next three years (2008 - 2011), saying that an overall increase in homes in all sectors will not directly affect the current housing crisis.

New figures released yesterday by the Scottish Government showed a ten per cent rise in the number of households stuck in temporary accommodation (to just over 9,000 households) since last year, which, combined with 200,000 on house waiting lists across Scotland, shows the strain local authorities are under to house people.

The charity - along with other housing organisations - has been calling for the Scottish Government to fund 30,000 affordable homes for rent over the next three years through this year's spending review settlement, which is due to be announced mid November.

Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, welcomed the Scottish Government's moves to build more houses but urged that social rented housing was a top priority over the coming years.

He said: 'Housing is a top political priority and the Scottish Government are right to focus on delivering more housing in Scotland to meet the crisis we currently face. These 35,000 homes a year will include all housing, from million pound mansions to maisonettes, or homes to buy or to rent. We believe this must include 10,000 affordable homes for rent. This means we can give people across Scotland, for whom owning a home will never be a reality, a real choice about having a decent and affordable place to live.'

Responding to the moves to end the right to buy, Mr Stoddart said: 'Right to Buy has benefited many people across Scotland in the past but it is time to recognise that there has been a cost to people stuck in the queue for housing.'

Notes to Editors

1. Shelter Scotland, along with other housing organisations, are calling for 30,000 affordable rented homes for Scotland through this year's comprehensive spending review. For more information visit the media room at www.shelter.org.uk/csr_media
2. Shelter believes everyone should have a home and helps 170,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
3. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews. For more information about Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk