Dumfries and Galloway Council has unveiled its new Local Housing Strategy (LHS), a comprehensive plan that outlines the region's vision, priorities, and actions for delivering high-quality housing and related services.

The council's forward-thinking approach recently earned it the MJ Achievement Award 2025 in the Innovation in Housing category.

The strategy, approved at the Tackling Poverty, Inequalities and Housing Sub Committee on 1 May 2025, identifies five key priorities: building more homes, supporting independent living, extending housing options, achieving affordable warmth, and improving housing quality.

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The plan includes a range of innovative actions, such as delivering the annual £1 million Town Centre Living Fund, developing brownfield sites and empty buildings for new housing, and partnering on innovative housing models via the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).

Katie Hagmann, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: "Our Local Housing Strategy reflects our commitment to building strong, inclusive communities where everyone has access to a safe, warm, and affordable home. It's about more than bricks and mortar, it's about working together with our partners and listening to our residents to ensure we're delivering real solutions that meet local needs and create lasting impact."

The LHS also links to the council's Housing Emergency Action Plan 2025–27, which was approved on 27 March 2025 to address pressures on the housing system. The plan focuses on developing more homes, repurposing empty properties, and enhancing support for people at risk of homelessness.