Housing emergency is easing slightly

THE ongoing homelessness situation in Dumfries and Galloway has eased slightly so far in 2026, it has been revealed.

Council housing chiefs have confirmed that there has been a drop in the number of people presenting as homeless across the region.

However, the chronic lack of temporary accommodation for homeless families and individuals is a major issue that the local authority continues to wrestle with.

The issue was discussed at last week’s meeting of Annandale and Eskdale area committee, writes Marc McLean.

A report confirmed that 600 people presented as homeless in Dumfries and Galloway in the first six months of 2025/26.

Meanwhile, just under 500 households were languishing in temporary accommodation during that same period because of the ongoing shortage of homes in the region.

Commenting, Annandale East and Eskdale Councillor Archie Dryburgh said: “I’m just wondering if this has changed any in the last couple of months? Because this report is for April 25 to September 25.

“We’re seeing an increase in homelessness and families who need temporary accommodation. In trying to get them out of there, has there been any change?”

Heather Sloan, a homeless strategy officer, replied: “In terms of the numbers coming through the homeless service, we have seen a drop this year of about ten percent so far in the number of applications that we are taking.

“However, that’s not kind of translating into the temporary accommodation at this point in time. The numbers in temporary accommodation are remaining steady at this point.”

Annandale North youth councillor Naomi Scott asked: “What support are you giving young people who may be going into temporary accommodation or homelessness?”

Heather Sloan replied: “We do have specialised housing with support for young people. So a young person coming in would hopefully be placed within that and they would be getting housing support on site within that accommodation.

“We also have a youth homelessness pathway and protocol in place. So if a young person comes down, we take a multi-agency approach to that and we work with other services to ensure the right supports around that young person.

“We’re ensuring their safety and that we’re getting them moved into suitable accommodation as quickly as possible.”