Housing Minister Alex Neil has backed Shelter Scotland's call for the UK government to unlock money for affordable housing in Scotland.

Shelter Scotland yesterday called on the Chancellor to allow accelerated capital investment to take place into 2010-11 from 2011-12 through the upcoming Pre-Budget Report.

Housing Minister Alex Neil said: "I welcome Shelter Scotland's support for an acceleration of capital spending from 2011-12 into next year. It's essential if we are to sustain our record levels of investment in affordable housing and other vital infrastructure into 2010-11.


"We hope that all parties in Scotland will join with the Scottish government, Shelter, the STUC and others in urging the Chancellor to announce accelerated spending for next year in his Pre-Budget Report.

"Despite spending cuts from Westminster, we are doing everything within our powers to increase the supply of affordable homes, backed by 1.65 billion pounds investment over three years, which has been entirely protected over the spending period."

Public expenditure on housing in Scotland, as a share of total spend, is considerably more than in England.

(GK/KMcA)