Prime Minister Theresa May announced that she will be seeking to form a minority government with support from the Democrat Unionist Party, after the Conservative Party won the most seats but fell short of a majority.

Commenting on the outcome, CIH Scotland executive director, Annie Mauger, said: “Whatever the new government looks like, we at CIH Scotland, along with our membership of housing professionals throughout Scotland, are ready to work with that government constructively to address the issues currently facing the housing sector.

“For Scotland, welfare reform is a key area of reserved policy where we hope politicians can work on a cross party basis to resolve significant issues of implementation which CIH Scotland members, working on the frontline of housing delivery, are currently having to deal with.”

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said the results reflect “some degree” of recognition of the damage caused by the Conservatives’ welfare policies.

Mary Taylor, SFHA chief executive, added: “Before the election, the SFHA released a five-point plan which aims to reduce the damaging impact of recent welfare ‘reforms’. We want to see a system that is more humane and compassionate – a system that isn’t too quick to punish but too slow to support. We want to see those who can, supported and helped into work – not punished for being part of the process.

“Negating the impact of welfare reforms will be a priority for SFHA as will other reserved matters, and we look forward to working with elected members.”