Our hands are tied over housing cuts

First Minister blames Westminster as £196m is slashed from affordable homes budget

- CHRIS McCALL

HUMZA Yousaf has defended his government's record on housing as it prepares to slash spending on building affordable homes.

The First Minister blamed a 10 per cent cut to Holyrood's capital budget from Westminster for SNP ministers facing "financial limitations".

It comes after campaigners, housebuilders and social housing groups called on the Scottish Government to invest in more affordable housing at a time many Scots are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison will ask MSPs today to vote in favour of Holyrood's spending plans for the year ahead.

The draft budget includes a £196million cut in funding for affordable housing in Scotland.