Graeme Brown, Director, Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said: 'Investment in affordable housing will fall by £173 million or 27 per cent from this year to next. The Finance Secretary has explained this as being the need to pay back money that was earlier brought forward.

'The draft budget is a major missed opportunity to invest in homes and jobs at a time when private construction remains at a standstill and we hope that this argument will be heard loud and clear as the budget makes its way through parliament.'

Notes to editors

1. Shelter Scotland had campaigned during the summer months for the Scottish Government to invest extra money for affordable rented homes in the budget.
   
2. Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. The charity helps 170,000 people a year across the UK fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Scotland'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.
4. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook; Twitter; Bebo. Or pick up a Twibbon.