Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, welcomed the moves taken by the Scottish Government today (Tuesday) after First Minister Alex Salmond announced measures to deliver affordable homes more quickly.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: 'Thousands of people in Scotland are in need of a home, we have an internationally acclaimed homelessness target to meet in 2012, and with the building industry threatening to grind to a halt, we needed to see some action.

'So, at a time, when we need more affordable homes than ever, particularly rented housing, the Scottish Government has clearly moved to take some action and we are encouraged by this. However we're keen to see the finer details of where the money is coming from, particularly money being diverted from local government settlements.

He added: 'Whilst we're encouraged by moves to allow housing associations to purchase unsold stock or land to deliver homes, we need to ensure that it’s the right housing, in the right places.'

Notes to editors

1. 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.  
2. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
3. For more information about Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk