Ahead of tomorrow's (Thursday) expected announcement of changes to the Right to Buy in Scotland, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said:

'Since Right to Buy was introduced 25 years ago, around half a million public sector homes have been sold, contributing to Scottish social rented housing levels being at a 50-year low.

'Much of this decline can be attributed to the Right to Buy policy which has robbed communities of social housing that has often then been sold on the open market for ridiculous prices, particularly at the height of the housing market boom, instead of being re-let to those in housing need.

'But Right to Buy is not the only reason for a decline in housing. A failure to invest in housing by successive governments to help rebuild stock sold under Right to Buy has been a key factor in the lack of homes in the 21st century. Governments must recognise that investment in housing is a must and reaps rewards, not just in housing people, but also to the wider economy, particularly during this economic downturn.'

He added: 'Maintaining the Right to Buy, whilst building more homes is like pouring the bath water out at the same time as running the taps. When Scotland needs more social housing that just makes no sense whatsoever.'