Prime minister Gordon Brown is to increase the budget for newbuild social housing by 50 per cent, it has emerged.

The newly-appointed premier told the BBC of intended reforms to the planning process which aim to tackle the availability of new homes throughout the UK.

While he noted that the majority of newbuild homes are likely to be constructed in the private sector, Mr Brown stressed that social housing is a key area for future expansion.

"The new challenge is affordable housing and it is one that we will address immediately," he told the broadcaster.

"I think you will find that the debate about housing is becoming far broader than it was a few years ago," he added.

The Scottish Executive recently claimed that an insufficient supply of housing in the principality has led to affordability issues as house prices have been driven up in some more popular areas.