Members of the team with the MJ Award

Selected as one of just six finalists from across the UK, officers from across the council impressed a panel of independent judges with the initiative ‘One Council + Communities + Partners x Creativity = Better Housing’. The judges described the approach as “unique”, recognising it as national best practice.

Although Dumfries and Galloway Council does not hold housing stock, housing remains a central part of its Council Plan. Work had already begun before the formal declaration of a housing emergency in 2024, and since then, all council directorates have intensified their efforts to identify creative and collaborative solutions across all housing tenures – private, social and community.

Key areas praised by the judges included: community regeneration particularly in Lochside, Dumfries; Community Asset Transfer, with four properties successfully into community ownership, leading to community-led affordable housing; an innovative approach to Ukrainian Resettlement, which brought empty properties up to standard to make new homes for New Scots.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, leader of the council, said: “I’m delighted that the work across our council and within communities has been recognised as the very best practice in the UK.

“This award demonstrates our commitment to tackling the housing emergency with creativity, collaboration and determination. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to council officers who are driving forward this important work.”