Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said: 'The Westminster Government has given a very clear commitment today (Wednesday) to affordable housing.

'The Scottish Executive has - under the new administration - committed to increasing the availability of housing through the new Housing Supply Task Force [2], which over the coming months will look at issues in Scotland such as planning and land availability.

'It will have an important role bringing the sector together to focus on bottlenecks, such as planning and land availability. We must build houses - imaginatively, sensitively and sustainably. The question is not whether we build these houses but when, where and how quickly.

'But the decision on spending on housing must be taken in time for this year's Autumn spending review, when finances for government departments will be laid down for the next three years. The spending review must commit the finances to build for Scotland's future. It's time to deliver.'

He added: 'The announcement on longer term fixed mortgages could mean longer term security for some Scottish home buyers. But we must remember, not everyone can afford to buy. People must have choices about where they live. That's why we're calling for 30,000 affordable homes for rent over the next three years in Scotland to make sure buying is not the only option.'

Notes to Editors

1. For an English response, please contact the press office in England, 0207 505 2162.
2. Stewart Maxell, Minster for Communities and Sport, announced the new Housing Supply Task Force in June.
3. 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 scotland.shelter.org.uk/media
4. A full list of housing facts and figures can be found at: scotland.shelter.org.uk/media/statistics
5. 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.
6. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
7. For more information about Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk