Scotland’s key housing and professional bodies have called for politicians to tackle the country’s housing crisis by supporting an increase in the supply of warm, sustainable homes that meet a diverse set of needs and aspirations.

In an open letter ahead of next week’s parliamentary election, the organisations highlighted that overall levels of production have slumped by 40 per cent since 2007, with demand amongst the country’s growing population continuing to outstrip supply.

The letter reads: “Scotland still desperately requires more homes: homes that are warm, sustainable, well-designed and energy-efficient; homes that contribute to better health and education outcomes; homes that meet need and aspiration; homes that are affordable and homes that support dynamic, vibrant and sustainable communities. With analysis suggesting that every new home supports four jobs and housing making a positive impact on so many different policy areas, the return on investment in this sector is considerable.”

The letter signatories comprise Homes for Scotland, the Royal Town Planning Institute, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Shelter Scotland, the Federation of Master Builders, the Chartered Institute of Housing, the Royal Incorporation of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and the Scottish Building Federation.

Nicola Barclay, chief executive of Homes for Scotland, said: “As individual organisations, we may have different priorities but we are united in one simple request – that our politicians take whatever action is necessary to end the housing pressure affecting so many of those living in Scotland.”