Housing investment plans approved

ELECTED members have approved updated plans to guide the delivery of affordable housing across Dumfries and Galloway.

The latest Strategic Housing Investment Plan sets out how housing investment will be prioritised across the region over the coming years.

It’s a key document for the council, identifying projects that can attract funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, while supporting the priorities set out in the Local Housing Strategy 2025–30.

A central element of the updated plan is continued support for community-led housing, with members agreeing to include a number of locally driven projects.

These schemes aim to bring empty or underused buildings back into use and deliver new social rented homes tailored to local needs. This approach is particularly important for rural communities, where access to suitable and affordable housing plays a key role in retaining residents, supporting families and sustaining local services. The report confirms that Dumfries and Galloway is expected to receive more than £94 million through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme over the next four years.

As well as delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes, this investment is expected to bring wider benefits, including new job opportunities, skills development and support for local supply chains.

The development of the plan has been informed by extensive engagement with housing providers, community organisations and public sector services. This collaborative approach will continue as the plan is finalised and submitted to the Scottish Government.

Councillor Andy Ferguson, said: “These recommendations will strengthen how we plan, prioritise and deliver housing projects.

“Importantly, it will help create homes that meet the needs of our communities, supporting local services and making Dumfries and Galloway an attractive place to live and work.”