FUNDING to boost affordable housing supply and tackle homelessness has been welcomed in the Wee County.

An £80million boost over the next two years will increase the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget.

The investment, which was welcomed by Clacks MSP Keith Brown this week, will help reduce the time spent in temporary accommodation by bringing more properties into use as affordable housing.

Mr Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said: “This £80m boost supports efforts to increase affordable housing supply.

“An important cash injection, it brings the Affordable Housing Supply Programme budget up to nearly £600 million for 2024-2025 and underlines the SNP Government’s commitment to delivering policies that address the serious problem of homelessness.

“Providing good quality, affordable housing is at the very core of the Scottish Government’s ambitions to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality and supporting the purchase of properties that can be brought into use for affordable housing is a tangible example of the good work that the SNP is doing to make Scotland a better place for everyone who lives here.”

The Scottish Government said it will also accelerate discussions with COSLA in relation to the number of empty council homes.