The Scottish Budget offers nothing new for construction jobs and homes, according to a housing and homelessness charity.

Graeme Brown, the Director of Shelter Scotland, said "smoke and mirrors" will not blind them to the fact that the industry is being offered nothing new.

"The £31 million announced on Tuesday by the Scottish Government is not new money. It is part of money already allocated to the housing programme and flows from UK Government Barnett Consequentials announced last June," he said.


"Housing was well placed to help Scotland’s economy accelerate out of a very fragile recovery, help create jobs, move people out of expensive temporary accommodation and slash massive waiting lists.

"Today Alex Salmond and John Swinney missed that opportunity and failed those in housing need and in job queues."

He added: "We remain committed to fighting for housing to be placed among top spending priorities for Scotland and will focus on persuading politicians ahead of next year's budget that housing is the cornerstone of our society and communities."

The Affordable Housing Investment Programme (AHIP) is falling by £204 million from this year to next.

(GK/BMcC)