Action plan launched to tackle housing challenge in southern Scotland

The action plan includes ten concrete actions to be implemented over the next two years. The aim is to attract more people to work and live here, to keep young people and to grow the local construction sector.

The plan, drawn up by the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP), builds on the important work already being done to support housing in the region across local authorities, businesses, registered social landlords (RSLs) and communities.

Collaboration with more than 50 local and national organizations took place, with business and community representatives indicating the need for action.

Problems include that the average price of a new two-bedroom house in rural areas such as the south is over £100,000 higher than the national average.

Between 2011 and 2020, the South saw a 60% drop in the number of new homes for sale compared to the previous decade. There was also a 40% drop in the number of active SME home builders in the region.

It is expected that over 9,000 new homes will be needed in the South in the next ten years. However, the current lack of good quality, affordable homes also means that employers have difficulty attracting people to come and live and work here.

Among the actions included in the action plan is a commitment to develop proposals to significantly improve the supply of construction skills, as well as plans to create new housing for students and essential workers.

The action plan also states that the aim is to bring together community organisations, RSLs and others to jointly develop plans that create more housing.

A marketing campaign will also be launched, targeting people from the construction sector in the South who want to start, grow and innovate.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan yesterday joined REP members to help launch the Action Plan at Burnfoot in Hawick, where the Scottish Borders Housing Association is currently building 16 new homes across two sites.

Mr McLennan said: “The South of Scotland Housing Action Plan and the partnership underpinning it are an important step in our collective response to the housing pressures facing the region.

“As recognised in the plan, housing plays a key role in driving economic growth and is a key factor in delivering the change we want to see in our rural and island economies.

“Across local authorities in the south of Scotland, we will make available over £27 million from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme by 2024-25 to help deliver much-needed affordable homes.

“We remain committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032, with at least 70% of these homes being social rented and 10% in rural and island communities.

“I look forward to working with stakeholders and partners to deliver the actions set out in the plan and deliver more affordable homes for people in the south of Scotland.”

Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries & Galloway Council and Chair of the REP, added: “The launch of the new South of Scotland Housing Action Plan is a significant milestone in tackling the housing and homes challenges in the south of Scotland.

“The plan provides a clear pathway to develop skills and grow the region’s economy, supporting some of the fantastic work already underway.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in developing the plan, and I look forward to seeing the actions taken over the next two years.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “While Scottish Borders Council has an excellent track record of working with our local partners to develop additional housing, particularly affordable housing, it is essential for the future of the south of Scotland that we do all we can to meet the housing needs of our residents and support existing businesses and further inward investment.

“However, the Action Plan does not just focus on building new homes, it also focuses on skills and supporting the construction sector, which will be essential to ensure that growth continues into the future.”

Russel Griggs OBE, Chairman of South of Scotland Enterprise and Chair of the REP’s Strategic Action Group on Housing, added: “At last year’s Convention of the South of Scotland meeting, partners committed to working together to develop and support solutions to the housing problem.

“A year on, I am delighted that the REP has come together and launched the first Housing Action Plan for South Scotland, complementing the good work already being done by a range of partners.

“The Action Plan is a vital document that I believe will help the economy of southern Scotland grow and prosper.”

Julia Mulloy, Director of SBHA and member of the Strategic Action Group on Housing, said: “The Housing Action Plan reflects the vital role that housing plays in a successful economy.

“We are pleased with the process of engagement across the spectrum of the housing market and the fact that the plan places affordable housing at the heart of economic growth.

“As anchor organisations for the community in the south of Scotland, housing associations have a key role to play in delivering this plan and we welcome the opportunity to build on existing strengths as we move towards implementation.”

Alex Lamb, Director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “To address housing challenges across Scotland, a partnership approach is needed to develop solutions that meet the need for more homes.

“The Housing Action Plan is a vital step towards a better future for our communities and supporting economic growth and stability in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Wheatley Homes South is proud to contribute to the action plan, with our ambitious proposals to deliver over 800 modern, high-quality, affordable homes in the region.”

Mr McLennan also visited Ettrickbridge to officially open Kirkhope Steading.

Kirkhope Steading, a £1.9 million rural housing development, provided five rental homes and seven workspaces to revitalise the Ettrick Valley.

The development was led by Ettrick and Yarrow Community Development Company with support from South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Land Fund and the Scottish Government’s Rural Housing Fund.