en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Economy and Infrastructure Committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council approved the latest Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) at its meeting on June 9, which sets out housing investment priorities for the region in the coming years.

SHIP is a key document for the committee, used to select projects eligible for funding from the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP), while aligning with priorities set out in the Local Housing Strategy for 2025 to 2030.

A core element of this updated plan is the continued support for community-led housing. Councillors agreed to include a range of locally driven projects that can now be advanced through the Rural and Islands Housing Fund.

These plans aim to repurpose vacant or underutilized buildings and deliver new social rented housing that meets local needs. This approach is particularly important for rural communities, where access to suitable and affordable housing plays a key role in retaining residents, supporting families, and sustaining local services.

The report confirms that Dumfries and Galloway is expected to receive over £94 million through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme over the next four years, which, when combined with partner funding, could leverage total investment of more than £170 million.

In addition to delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes, this investment is expected to bring wider benefits, including creating new job opportunities, promoting skills development, and supporting the local supply chain.

The plan was developed through extensive engagement with partners, including housing providers, community organizations, and public services. This collaborative approach will continue as the plan is finalized and submitted to the Scottish Government.

The update also highlights ongoing work to better understand the interconnections between housing, health, and inequality, ensuring that future housing delivery improves residents' life outcomes.

Meanwhile, targeted work continues on specific local housing pressures, including in Langholm, where collaborative activities focus on finding solutions that meet local needs.

Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said that this updated plan presents a clear and pragmatic approach to delivering affordable housing across the region and making the most of available investment. These proposals will strengthen how the region plans, prioritizes, and delivers housing projects.

Ferguson noted that importantly, this will help create housing that meets community needs, supports local services, and makes Dumfries and Galloway an attractive place to live and work.

Vice-Chair Councillor Tony Berretti added that the continued focus on community-led housing is a major advantage of this approach, allowing locally driven projects to advance and secure additional funding, ensuring solutions reflect the needs of each community.

Berretti believes that by investing in affordable housing, the region is supporting jobs, growth, and a more efficient housing stock, while improving opportunities for residents across the area.

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