Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee (1 Sept) will be asked to approve the region's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2026, a key document that helps shape housing investment and delivery across the region.
The plan builds on the council's response to the Housing Emergency declared in June 2024 and sets out how investment can be targeted to increase the supply of affordable homes, support people facing housing difficulties and strengthen communities.
Housing continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing Dumfries and Galloway, with growing demand, affordability pressures and a shortage of suitable homes affecting individuals, families and communities across the region.
The updated SHIP outlines how the council and its partners will work together to address these issues while supporting longer-term regeneration and economic growth.
The SHIP is the main vehicle for identifying affordable housing projects that can receive support through the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP). It also provides the framework for partnership working between the council, housing associations, developers and other organisations involved in delivering homes and housing-led regeneration projects.
Councillors are being asked to note the strengthened focus within the 2026 SHIP on Housing Emergency priorities, including homelessness prevention, acquisitions and buybacks, bringing empty homes back into use and supporting regeneration activity.
Members will also be asked to approve the plan, ahead of its submission to the Scottish Government later this year.
The proposals come alongside a four-year Affordable Housing Supply Programme allocation of £94.537 million for Dumfries and Galloway. Combined with investment from housing providers and other funding streams, this could generate around £170 million of investment across the region over the next four years.
Alongside delivering more affordable homes, the investment is expected to support local jobs, apprenticeships and supply chains, helping communities benefit from increased economic activity while creating places where people can live, work and thrive.
The updated plan strengthens links with the council's Local Housing Strategy 2025-2030, which identifies the need to build more homes, support independent living, improve housing quality and increase energy efficiency. New homes delivered through the programme will be designed to modern standards, helping residents reduce energy costs and supporting efforts to tackle fuel poverty.
The 2026 SHIP also places greater emphasis on making better use of existing housing stock. This includes acquiring suitable properties for affordable housing use, responding to pressures on temporary accommodation, meeting demand for larger family homes and bringing long-term empty properties back into use.
Among the initiatives highlighted within the plan are investment through the Dumfries and Galloway Housing Regeneration Fund, promotion of the Matchmaker Scheme and enhanced work to identify and support the reuse of empty homes across the region.
Developed in partnership with organisations including the Scottish Government, housing associations, planning, education and health and social care partners, the plan seeks to ensure housing investment delivers the greatest possible benefit for local residents, communities and the wider economy.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
"The Strategic Housing Investment Plan is a key tool in helping us address the housing challenges facing Dumfries and Galloway. These recommendations will strengthen our ability to target investment, support effective delivery and make the most of the significant funding now available to the region.
"We are working hard to provide the homes people need, supporting communities to thrive and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth across Dumfries and Galloway."
Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Committee, said:
"Housing plays a vital role in the future success of our region, and this updated plan reflects the priorities we identified through both the Local Housing Strategy and our Housing Emergency response.
"By delivering more affordable homes, bringing empty properties back into use and preventing homelessness wherever possible, we can make a real difference for residents while helping to sustain and strengthen our communities."
If approved by the committee, the Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 will be finalised and submitted to the Scottish Government by the required deadline of 30 October 2026. The plan will continue to guide investment decisions and partnership working aimed at increasing housing supply, supporting regeneration and ensuring more people across Dumfries and Galloway have access to safe, affordable and high-quality homes.
To read the full report go to: Agenda for Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, 1st September, 2026, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council