New plan launched to address housing issue in South Scotland.

A new South of Scotland Housing Action Plan has been unveiled to address the pressing need for more housing options in the region. The Action Plan consists of ten actionable steps to be implemented over the next two years. Its primary objective is to attract more residents, retain young people, and stimulate the local construction industry.

The Plan, devised by the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP), aims to build upon existing initiatives supporting housing in the area. Engaging with over 50 local and national organisations, the Plan was deemed a necessary course of action by business and community representatives.

Challenges highlighted in the Plan include the elevated cost of new homes in rural areas like the South of Scotland, where a two-bedroom home can cost over £100,000 more than the national average. Additionally, the region witnessed a significant decline in new homes for sale between 2011 and 2020, as well as a 40% decrease in small to medium-sized housebuilders.

With a projected need for over 9,000 new homes in the South over the next decade, the scarcity of affordable and quality housing has become an impediment for employers in attracting talented individuals to work and reside in the region.

Among the outlined actions in the Plan are proposals to enhance construction skills training, develop student and key worker accommodations, and foster collaborations between community organisations and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to generate more housing opportunities.

The launch event for the Action Plan, attended by Housing Minister Paul McLennan and members of the REP, took place in Hawick at Burnfoot, where Scottish Borders Housing Association is constructing 16 new homes across two locations.

McLennan expressed his optimism about the Plan’s potential impact, highlighting the critical role housing plays in spurring economic growth and fostering positive changes in rural and island economies. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deliver over £27 million in funding through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2024-25 to facilitate the construction of affordable homes in the South of Scotland.

Local leaders, including Dumfries & Galloway Council leader Gail Macgregor and Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine, lauded the Action Plan as a pivotal step towards addressing housing challenges and nurturing economic development in the region.

Russel Griggs OBE, chair of South of Scotland Enterprise and the REP’s Strategic Action Group on Housing, commended the collaborative effort behind the creation of the Housing Action Plan. He believes that the Plan will play a crucial role in bolstering the region’s economy and fostering growth.

Various stakeholders, including housing associations, industry leaders, and community representatives, expressed their support for the Plan’s emphasis on affordable housing as a cornerstone of economic progress. They look forward to working together to actualize the Plan’s objectives and deliver tangible outcomes over the next two years.

Overall, the launch of the South of Scotland Housing Action Plan signifies a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards addressing housing needs, fostering economic growth, and creating a prosperous future for residents and businesses alike.