Councils in Scotland will receive a 20% uplift in grant funding for affordable homes over the next five years.

The Scottish Government said councils will receive more than £3.2bn in grant funding, an increase of more than £541m.

Housing secretary, Shona Robison, said the five-year allocations would help councils meet its affordable homes target.

Cllr Gail Macgregor, COSLA resources spokesperson, said: ‘We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to contributing to the cost of affordable housing in Scotland. The priority for councils, and housing associations, is ensuring rent affordability and warm, safe, comfortable homes for current and future tenants.

’As we look to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, councils are working side by side with their communities. We maintain a focus on our shared ambitions around tackling child poverty and climate change, alongside building more houses.’