Since becoming the first local authority to declare a housing emergency in 2023, the council has been working with its partners to identify housing requirements, improve access to temporary accommodation, and deliver long-term solutions for communities.

Key progress highlights over the last 12 months include:

• A 7% reduction in homelessness
• 78 new house completions across all tenures
• 44 new affordable homes delivered through the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (38 for social rent, six for shared equity)
• 42 Empty homes brought back into use with help from the council’s Empty Homes Officer
• 10 properties added to affordable housing supply via stock transfer and open market purchase
• 19 homes brought back into use through council/RSL Buyback and Acquisition Scheme
• Two community housing projects completed – Colonsay Community Development Company developed nine homes for low-cost ownership, affordable rent and worker housing, while Gigha Heritage Trust delivered five homes for affordable rent.
• Work continues to deliver worker housing in Tobermory
• Properties redeveloped for Health and Social Care Partnership staff in remote areas
• 13.1% rise in permanent social rented tenancies allocated via HOME Argyll, and a 5.8% drop in the housing register

Eighteen months after introducing double council tax on second homes, the number of recorded second homes has reduced by 461 overall. Of these, 421 are now in active use, 98 provide staff accommodation, and 241 remain empty pending review.

At a meeting of the Full Council, members also agreed the Strategic Housing Investment Plan which will cover the period 2026/27. This document is currently with the Scottish Government for approval and outlines details how it will deliver the Local Housing Strategy priorities and outcomes through a five-year strategic investment programme.

The leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “While challenges remain, the steps taken so far demonstrate a firm and determined commitment to addressing the housing crisis head-on.

“We are not only increasing the supply of affordable homes but also working to ensure that every solution is sustainable and meets the needs of our communities—now and for generations to come. This progress reflects the strength of partnership across Argyll and Bute and our shared ambition to create places where people can live, work, and thrive.”