McInnes concerned at City and Shire borrowing rates

12.00.00pm GMT Tue 18th Mar 2008

North East Scotland MSP Alison McInnes today expressed concern following the release of a report showing the increase in Aberdeen's level of mortgage borrowing to be the highest in Scotland.

The Experian report placed Aberdeen sixth in the UK list after Northern Ireland, which topped the list, three London boroughs, and Wolverhampton.

Mrs McInnes said: "Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have seen some of the biggest rises in house prices in the UK, and the level of mortgage debt that people are now yoked with is certainly a cause for concern.

"Whilst irresponsible lending and borrowing is a factor, the root cause of this rise is the scarcity of affordable housing. I would encourage the Scottish Government to pursue every ave