Communities Secretary Angela Constance has said the Scottish Government will take “new and innovative” approaches to the housing challenges of Brexit and an ageing population, The Herald reports.

She will stress the importance of “high quality affordable housing” to the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) conference today.

Speaking ahead of the conference in Edinburgh, Ms Constance said: “High quality affordable housing is about more than just bricks and mortar – it provides safe, warm homes, helps create a fairer Scotland, and delivers great economic benefits. As we look to the challenges that lie ahead, that will become ever more important.

“The UK Government’s approach to Brexit threatens jobs, prosperity, and workers. Welfare cuts are plunging more people into poverty.

“And an ageing population presents big questions in how we support independent living and increase a flexible housing supply.”

She added: “Against that backdrop we are taking firm action. Since 2007 we have delivered almost 71,000 affordable homes and committed to delivering at least 50,000 over this Parliament, and we are spending £100 million a year protecting people from the worst impacts of the UK Government’s welfare cuts – cuts that threaten to push more children into poverty. But there is more we can and must do.

“We have given councils long term planning assumptions totalling £1.75 billion to March 2021 – providing the guarantee needed to deliver our ambitions.

“As we look to beyond 2021, I want to begin engagement with the housing sector on the best ways to deliver affordable homes that meet the needs of our changing population. We will build on the great work already done as we take new and innovative approaches to ensure another decade of success.”