Meeting the needs for affordable housing is a particularly important step towards tackling poverty, cutting family living costs and building opportunities, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have said.

Unveiling its manifesto for the upcoming council elections, the party outlined a number of measures it would undertake to help local authorities be more effective in delivering its housing goals.

The manifesto says Lib Dem councillors will:

At the launch event in Inverkeithing, party leader Willie Rennie said he was confident the party could build on by-election wins and gain seats across Scotland.

He said: “Local Liberal Democrat councillors have an impressive record of action and service for their communities. They work all year round for local people, not just at election time.

“This year’s elections present an excellent opportunity to build on our by-election successes across the country with gains from all parties. We are contesting more wards and looking to win more seats on 4 May.

“As the SNP and Greens put independence first, Liberal Democrats will put local people first. Scotland does not need another divisive independence referendum.”

The Scottish Green Party manifesto can be read here.