Housing groups say many more affordable homes are needed

They have told the Scottish Government that a "business as usual" spending settlement will not tackle Scotland's growing housing crisis.

Shelter Scotland and the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland (CIH) are among those calling for more cash.

The Scottish Government said it took a proactive approach to housing.

Shelter Scotland, the CIH, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and the Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) challenged the Scottish Government to tackle the housing issue.

The Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO) also joined the call for a cash boost for housing.

Housing policy and spending have been poor relations in the past 20 years and this has left a massive backlog Archie Stoddart Shelter Scotland

The organisations said the extra cash was needed to bring balance to Scotland's housing market and cut long waiting lists.

The Scottish Government plans to publish the Comprehensive Spending Review details in mid-November, when it will allocate almost �90bn over the next three years.

Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "Housing policy and spending have been poor relations in the past 20 years and this has left a massive backlog.

"It is no longer enough for housing expenditure to wait its turn in the queue when the budget is decided.

"Investment in 30,000 affordable rented homes must be a top priority for the SNP in its first budget."

Stewart Maxwell, minister for communities and sport, said: "The Housing Supply Task Force, which has a remit to examine factors currently preventing new homes being built and identify practical solutions, has already had its first meeting and is due to meet again this week.

'Easy answers'

"And we will soon launch our wide-ranging housing consultation paper, which will seek the views of all interested parties as we move forward.

"With a tight spending review likely, it is clear that there won't be easy answers - no government can simply turn on housing supply like a tap.

"But I think with the right will on the part of all the relevant partners - including local authorities, housing providers and the construction industry - it will be possible to make more housing, of all types, a reality."

Alan Ferguson, director of the CIH, said: "The Scottish Parliament has shown it takes housing seriously but we need to see a financial commitment.

"Housing is central to health, education, the environment and a thriving economy. Now is the time to deliver the housing that Scotland needs."