In recent years a range of better targeted schemes to assist low income purchasers and those with social housing needs have been put in place. Between 1998 and 2001 the provision of social and affordable housing has grown by 35% to 11,385 units and a further increase to almost 13,000 units is forecast in 2002. In addition to an Exchequer investment of over €1 billion in housing in 2003, a further €680 million will also be available from local authorities' own resources and advances by the Housing Financing Agency. In total, over €1.6 billion will be available for social housing compared with €1.5 billion in 2002.