Key Worker Homes in the South of Scotland was carried out by South of Scotland Community Housing in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Futures Trust, and will bring partners together across the region and nationally.

The new research has demonstrated that a shortage of the right homes in the right places is having a significant impact upon key worker recruitment and retention in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders, affecting thousands of staff and posts in health, social care, education, policing and the land-based industries.

The aim of the new research is to inform efforts to deliver more key worker homes in the region, aligning with the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership’s Housing Action Plan.

Based on the evidence, key priorities for action have been identified to deliver more key worker homes where they are most needed, and the report makes a series of recommendations for how these actions can be implemented.

South of Scotland Enterprise chair, Russel Griggs OBE, said: “Key worker homes are essential to our region. This research is a first for the South of Scotland and the recommendations will allow partners across the South of Scotland to take proactive evidence-based actions to address this issue.”

Scottish Borders Council leader Councillor Euan Jardine said: “We are delighted to have this new research to further our understanding of how the housing shortage affects our essential workers. It is crucial and will guide us as we tackle the housing shortage and support our key workers South of Scotland.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “Access to suitable accommodation is essential for our key workers, supporting the sustainability of vital services for local people. We need to ensure we have the right homes, in the right places for them. This research helps us all understand what we collectively need to deliver in partnership with employers.”

Mike Staples, chief executive at South of Scotland Community Housing, said: “The collaborative nature of this work has underpinned the importance of supplying the right mix of homes to sustain services and grow critical sectors in Southern Scotland. We look forward to continuing to work with partners to drive forward the report recommendations, including the key role community-led housing can play in meeting localised need.”

Jenny Davies, associate director - place, housing & economic investment at Scottish Futures Trust, added: “Scotland’s need for key worker housing has never been greater with the lack of affordable and available housing causing local authorities across Scotland to struggle in attracting and retaining people who are fundamental to delivering key services and contributing to the economic growth in their area.

“We are delighted to have worked with partners on this valuable piece of work to understand the housing demand and need for these key workers in the South of Scotland and the positive impact that additional homes could have on regional economic growth. We very much look forward to continuing our work with the South of Scotland group to support actions to deliver much needed homes in the area.”