ALEX SALMOND caused a stir yesterday after saying that social housing was good for our society while his government’s new home construction dropped to a five-year low.

The SNP first minister sang the sector’s praises before a public forum in Selkirk, telling residents that his cabinet had spent more than £1 billion on the project since 2011.

“Rental costs are lower in Scotland because there’s a better supply of housing. It’s an investment which is good for our economy and good for our society.

“If housing rents are lower, the government has to pay out less housing benefit,” he said.

But Mr Salmond neglected to mention his officials’ own housing statistics, showing that the number of completed new homes in the social housing sector had dropped to its lowest rate since 2008.

Just 4,408 new builds were completed last year, reflecting a continued decline from a peak of 6,285 in 2009.

Meanwhile construction had begun on just 3,650 new homes — barely half the figure in 2009.

Between them the past three years have accounted for the lowest level of new builds begun in Scotland since 2003.

Meanwhile around 157,000 households remain “lingering” on council waiting lists, according to Shelter Scotland.

Instead the first minister urged voters to back a ‘yes’ vote in September’s independence referendum, blaming Westminster’s exchequer for hoovering up the cashflow created by lower housing benefit costs.

“We create a better and fairer future if we work hard and use our resources sustainably and well — but only independence can allow us to ensure we are not just a wealthy country but a prosperous, just and fair society,” he said.