Dumfries and Galloway councillor calls for more action to tackle housing emergency

Dumfries and Galloway Councillor Urges More Action to Address Housing Crisis

A Dumfries and Galloway councillor has called for urgent action to tackle the housing emergency in the region. Councillor Linda Dorward of Lochar has demanded that the council puts pressure on the Scottish Government to allocate a portion of the extra £1.5 billion received from the UK Government this financial year. She argues that this funding is crucial to address the severe shortage of properties in the region, which has led to nearly 700 homeless individuals being placed in B&B accommodation last year.

The heavy reliance on temporary accommodation has also resulted in the council breaching government standards for accommodation 318 times. Councillor Dorward highlighted the increasing levels of homelessness and the failure to provide adequate housing solutions during a meeting of the economy and resources committee. She emphasised the necessity of reinstating funding for housing, especially with the additional financial resources available at Holyrood.

Despite ongoing efforts by council housing chiefs to develop a plan to tackle the housing emergency and a scheduled seminar in January 2025, Councillor Dorward stressed the need for immediate action given the current availability of extra funding. She urged fellow councillors to unite in lobbying the Scottish Government for a share of the additional funds to support the construction of more social homes in the region. The committee agreed to collaborate with housing officers to draft a letter to send to the Scottish Government requesting financial assistance.

In light of the escalating housing crisis in Dumfries and Galloway, Councillor Dorward’s advocacy for enhanced governmental support underscores the pressing need to address the housing emergency and provide sustainable solutions for those in need.

Insights and Summary:
The article highlights the urgency of addressing the housing crisis in Dumfries and Galloway, emphasising the need for increased funding and immediate action. Councillor Dorward’s call for collaboration with the Scottish Government to secure additional financial support reflects the critical nature of the housing emergency in the region. By advocating for funding to build more social homes, she underscores the importance of providing stable housing solutions for homeless individuals and addressing the systemic failures in accommodation standards. The article serves as a reminder of the significant challenges faced by local authorities in ensuring access to affordable and secure housing for all residents.