The Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed the Dumfries and Galloway Housing Regeneration Fund at its meeting on 24 March, which will help address the housing emergency and support sustainable community development.
The fund brings together targeted programmes to unlock stalled developments, support town centres, tackle empty homes and improve below tolerable standard (BTS) properties. It aligns with the council’s Housing Emergency Action Plan 2025–27, Empty Homes Plan 2026–31 and Local Housing Strategy 2025–30, as well as the nationally recognised Town Centre Living Fund.
Financed through Council Tax on second homes, the fund will help target investment where it is needed most. It responds to pressure on housing supply, the high proportion of older homes needing upgrades, and the challenges facing rural and town-centre communities.
Councillors agreed to:
- Allocate £900,000 to establish the Dumfries and Galloway Housing Regeneration Fund for 2026/27.
- Allocate £300,000 to support town-centre housing developments, enabling high-quality, affordable projects across priority settlements.
- Allocate £300,000 in grant assistance for owners of empty homes, helping bring long-term vacant properties back into use as affordable housing.
- Allocate £300,000 in grants to tackle below tolerable standard properties, improving living conditions for households across the region.
- Allocate £300,000 from the Town Centre Living Fund to support the community-led redevelopment of the Former Woodside Garage in Gatehouse of Fleet.
The programme is expected to deliver tangible benefits for communities across Dumfries and Galloway. Working with housing associations, community organisations and private developers, the council will help create more affordable homes and bring more properties back into use.
The investment will also support town-centre regeneration, transforming underused buildings into modern, energy-efficient homes that increase footfall and support local businesses. Grants to tackle below tolerable standard properties will help deliver safer, warmer and better-quality homes for households who need support.
Together, the measures aim to strengthen communities, support local services and improve the long-term sustainability of towns, villages and rural areas. The council is also enabling the delivery of homes for key workers, helping re-populate places by working with communities.
Cllr Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“These recommendations will strengthen oversight and support effective delivery of our housing priorities across Dumfries and Galloway. By aligning these funds with our strategic commitments, we can invest more intelligently and more sustainably.”
“Most importantly, this work will deliver real benefits for local residents – improving homes, supporting town centres and helping communities thrive.”
Cllr Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“This is a practical and forward-looking package that addresses the challenges our region faces, from empty homes to rural housing pressures. The new fund allows us to step in where support is needed most.”
“These decisions will help create better places to live, support community‑led development and bring long‑term improvements for households across Dumfries and Galloway.”
Officers will now implement the new fund, finalise grant criteria for each programme, and progress the delivery of approved projects – including the Gatehouse of Fleet redevelopment.
You can read the full committee report and appendices at: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=624&MId=6491