The chronic shortage of affordable housing in Scotland is becoming one of the most urgent social problems facing us.

At the heart of the issue is the major lack of social housing. But instead of politicians doing all they can to strengthen and increase social housing, they are picking apart the housing safety net – with UK welfare cuts compounded by the Scottish Government's 41% cut to the house building budget.

Even before these latest cuts, our research showed it would take more than seven years to find a home for the 157,000 Scottish households on social housing waiting lists.

To end Scotland's housing crisis for good, the Scottish Government needs to put much more money into social housing.

Using the £350 million plus Barnett consequentials would be a welcome start but we need a renewed commitment to build at least 10,000 new social homes a year.

Investment in housing brings both social and economic benefits.

It brings hope of a home to those on social housing waiting lists and much-needed jobs to the construction industry.

Graeme Brown,

Director of Shelter Scotland,

Scotiabank,

6 South Charlotte Street,

Edinburgh.