Next steps to tackle depopulation revealed

DUMFRIES and Galloway Council has agreed next steps to address rural depopulation following a debate earlier this month. Research was delivered by the council in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and Community Development Lens (CoDEL). It highlight six connected factors that influence population change: housing, employment, education, transport, health and social connections. Councillors noted the findings and agreed to embed the learning into future council activity and partnership working. This includes shaping policy, informing investment decisions, mapping assets across the region to identify opportunities for action, and working with national, regional and local partners. The work will also support ongoing initiatives to attract and retain people in rural communities, promoting the region as a positive place to live, work and invest. A council spokesperson said: “Rural depopulation affects many parts of Scotland, and there are no quick or simple solutions. “These reports give us a strong evidence base rooted in the lived experience of our communities. “They help us understand what makes people stay, leave or move here and what really matters in everyday life. “Full Council has agreed that we now take this learning forward and use it to shape how we work with partners. “Our focus is on practical wide-ranging actions that support sustainable, thriving communities across Dumfries and Galloway.”