Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 all local authorities are required to produce an LHS that reflects both national priorities and local needs. The strategy enables the council to plan effectively for current and future housing demand, ensuring services are delivered in a way that supports communities and promotes wellbeing.

The LHS identifies five key priorities, agreed at the Tackling Poverty, Inequalities and Housing Sub Committee on 1 May 2025:

• Building more homes to support a thriving local economy and sustainable communities.
• Supporting independent living by enabling people to remain in the home and community of their choice.
• Extending housing options and improving the private rented sector.
• Achieving affordable warmth through energy-efficient, sustainable homes.
• Improving housing quality through repair, maintenance, and investment.

The strategy includes a range of innovative actions, such as:

• Delivering the council’s annual £1 million Town Centre Living Fund to support regeneration.
• Developing brownfield sites and empty buildings for new housing.
• Partnering on innovative housing models for people with particular needs via the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).
• Implementing the national landlord registration scheme under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.
• Providing tailored support through a Scheme of Assistance for private sector residents.
• Funding the Care and Repair service via the Adult Health and Social Care Partnership.

This forward-thinking approach recently earned Dumfries and Galloway Council the MJ Achievement Award 2025 in the Innovation in Housing category. Judges praised the council’s ability to deliver diverse, locally tailored solutions across a large geographical area, empowering communities to shape their own futures.

The council’s Housing Emergency Action Plan 2025–27, approved on 27 March 2025, addresses significant pressures on the housing system. It focuses on:

• Developing more homes.
• Repurposing empty properties.
• Enhancing support for people at risk of homelessness.

The LHS also explores the critical link between housing and population trends, with targeted actions aimed at reversing depopulation and supporting community resilience.

Extensive consultation and engagement have shaped the strategy, with input from residents, stakeholders, and subject matter experts. This collaborative approach ensures the LHS reflects the aspirations and needs of Dumfries and Galloway’s diverse communities.

The strategy also sets out approaches to:

• Housing delivery and placemaking.
• Homelessness prevention.
• Specialist housing provision.
• Fuel poverty and climate change.
• Housing condition and integration with health and social care.

Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Katie Hagmann said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council remains committed to delivering housing solutions that support better health, educational attainment, employment opportunities and vibrant, resilient communities.

“Our Local Housing Strategy reflects our commitment to building strong, inclusive communities where everyone has access to a safe, warm, and affordable home. It’s about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about working together with our partners and listening to our residents to ensure we’re delivering real solutions that meet local needs and create lasting impact.”