Funded by the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, the council has launched a survey as part of the Argyll and Bute Housing Emergency Action Plan that was agreed by the council in 2024.

The survey aims to assess whether local businesses are struggling to recruit or retain staff due to a lack of housing, and whether a shortage of housing is a barrier to growing the economy.

The council’s policy lead for housing, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “We want local businesses and private sector organisations to give us their views to help tackle workforce housing shortages in the area. This is an opportunity for employers to contribute to meaningful, practical solutions.

“We are keen to hear directly from those organisations impacted by housing issues so we can better support our communities and help make Argyll and Bute a place where more people choose to live, work, and flourish. If you know of a business that might be interested, please pass this on. By working together, we can help create a stronger, more resilient future for Argyll and Bute.”

The survey findings will feed into the council’s Housing Need and Demand Assessment and provide evidence for further partner engagement to consider alternative models of housing and address the identified needs of employers/workforce.

The survey will close on 22 December 2025.