AFFORDABLE house-building in Hampshire has fallen by more than 50 per cent over the last 12 months.

According to a new report, the number of affordable homes being built the year the Coalition came to power was 1,940 compared to 840 last year - a fall of 57 per cent.

The figures were released by Raglan Housing's chief executive Nicholas Harris to mark Rural Housing Week (June 30 - July 6).

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has claimed its record on affordable housing since 2010 was a “clear success story”, yet the number of homes completed in Winchester fell from 130 during 2010-11 to 90 in 2013-14.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: “The council recognises the problem of housing affordability in the district and has maintained robust policies to secure the greatest possible percentage of affordable homes from every development. Barton Farm, for example, will provide 800 affordable homes over the next few years. Other major development on greenfield sites, such Pitt Manor and West of Waterlooville, will also deliver large numbers.

“It is getting harder to secure affordable housing on previously developed sites. That is for economic reasons over which the council has no control. The council will continue to look at ways of meeting housing needs through its own new-build programme and through partnership working.”

The figures have been similarly reflected in Fareham (down from 170 in 2010-11 to 40 in 2013-14), Test Valley (down from 240 to 120) and in Southampton, where only 240 cheaper properties were completed in 2013-14, down 53 per cent on the 510 built in 2010-11.

In fact, 240 is the lowest annual total for more than a decade, stretching back to the 160 built in the city in 2001-02.