The Shelter 'No Deal' postcards have been handed to politicians

It is urging members of the public to say "No Deal" to what it says is a poor settlement for housing in this month's budget announcement.

First Minister Alex Salmond and cabinet secretaries received a suitcase full of postcards on St Andrew's Day.

They were signed by members of the public concerned about housing.

The cards state: "As you go home for the weekend on Scotland's national day: please think about homes for your constituents."

When it comes to delivering affordable housing the SNP and the first minister are letting down the people of Scotland Jim Tolson MSP Liberal Democrats

Recipiants included John Swinney, Nicola Sturgeon Kenny MacAskill, Fiona Hyslop and Richard Lochhead.

The charity - along with other sections of the housing lobby - said it was left sorely disappointed last week after the call for 30,000 affordable rented homes was "largely ignored", and the budget for year one was cut by 6% in real terms.

It rises to 12% in year three, but Shelter claims that is far short of what is needed.

Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "This year we have heard from many MSPs that housing is an issue which comes up again and again when constituents visit their surgeries.

"Many therefore agree that housing is a top priority - so we were greatly disappointed when we listened to the budget to find out that next year's housing budget has been cut.

"Shelter Scotland, along with other housing organisations, started the campaign for 30,000 more affordable homes for rent because Scotland is in the middle of a housing crisis.

"We do not understand how politicians have failed to realise that not building these homes will keep thousands of people stuck in temporary accommodation and on the main house waiting lists."

The charity's concern has been echoed by the Liberal Democrats.

Communities spokesperson Jim Tolson MSP said: "When it comes to delivering affordable housing the SNP and the first minister are letting down the people of Scotland.

"Three weeks ago the Scottish Government set out its plans to increase housing supply in Scotland, a supply level which the deputy first minister described as 'simply inadequate'.

"It is now clear that the government is planning to deliver less affordable homes, despite more money than the previous administration."