New statistics highlight ‘collapse’ in housebuilding in Scotland

The number of new homes going into construction in Scotland is at its lowest in a decade amid sector concerns that “no progress” is being made to solve the national housing emergency.

Industry groups said there was a collapse in housebuilding and pointed out the figures did not yet reflect a near-£200 million reduction in the affordable housing budget.

Official data showed the total number of new-builds being started was at 16,404 for the 12 months to March this year.

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That was down 15 per cent on the previous 12 months and also the lowest number since the 2013-14 financial year.

The total number of homes completed dropped by 17 per cent to 19,632 in the