1.2 Housing Actions in the Pipeline (Presentations)

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Classification: OFFICIAL
Community Planning Partnership – 19th September 2025
Argyll and Bute – Depopulation Research Briefing 
1. Background 
Argyll and Bute Council were successful in their application to the Scottish
Governments Addressing Depopulation Fund which included financial support to
employ Private Sector Settlement Officer and funding to undertake research project. 
2. Overview
The Depopulation Research will cover two key issues identified through the work in
relation to Housing Emergency, ‘Workforce Housing’ which will seek to evidence
the housing shortages for workers and options going forward, and ‘Young Working
Age’ engagement to identify factors that will help with retention and to attract those
who have left back, or those who have an interest in moving to the area.  A blended
approach will be undertaken to the research project, and proposed outcomes
include: 
➢ Assess and evidence the extent and nature of workforce housing shortages. 
➢ Assess the availability and viability of housing options for key workers. 
➢ To engage with younger working age households (16–44-year-olds), including
those who have left Argyll & Bute, tracking push and pull factors, plus future
intentions and aspirations. 
➢ To assess currently availability of workforce housing options and test the
feasibility of key worker housing models. 
➢ To recommend deliverable workforce housing models including funding, eligibility,
income and legal implications. 
3. Role of CPP Partners 
Our strategic partners have a key role to play, both in participating in the employer
engagement surveys, as well as helping to promote the surveys to working age
population both within Argyll and Bute and those out with the area who have an
interest in moving to the area.   
4. Timeline 
The preparatory work is underway, and partners will be kept informed on the timing
of engagement and survey launches.  It is anticipated that surveys will commence in
September/October 2025. 
For further information contact - 
Local Housing Strategy Team
localhousingstrategy@argyll-bute.gov.uk