Scotland's population is projected to increase by 2.5% to 5.57 million between mid-2018 and mid-2043, according to new figures released by the National Records of Scotland.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has said that the figures are further evidence of the "desperate need for more financial support for the housing sector".

The NRS figures estimate that there will be 240,000 more pensioners over the next 25 years, an increase of 23.2%, while the working age population reduces by 7,000 people.

Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said: "These figures once again highlight how vital it is to secure the investment needed for more homes that are fit for people's needs, both now and in the future.


"There remains a significant, and increasing, demand for social housing, with around 160,000 households on waiting lists. In 2015, we called for the delivery of 60,000 affordable homes by the end of this Parliamentary term in 2021. The Scottish Government responded with an overall programme of 50,000 and that is well on the way to being reached.

"However, the need continues to grow and ongoing Scottish Government investment in our sector is vital for its future and for the sustainability of communities."

Sally Thomas continued: "Investment in housing is not just about building more homes but ensuring they meet people's requirement at every stage of their life.

"The number of people needing their homes adapted to enable them to live healthier, more independent lives has increased substantially but the budget has been frozen by the Scottish Government for the last seven years, with the backlog of required work growing each year.

"Our members urgently need to know what the Government's plans are for housing post-2021 to help them continue to build great homes in great places for the people of Scotland."

(MH/CM)