COUNCIL officers are continuing to examine the requirements for worker accommodation in Argyll and Bute, an official has said.
A report stated that three in four employers responding to a survey in 2023 said that a shortage of housing was stopping them from recruiting staff.
The authority declared a housing emergency in June of that year, with an update given to councillors on work taking place to add housing to the area.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s Oban, Lorn and the Isles area committee on Wednesday, March 11.
A report published in advance of the meeting detailed statistics which informed the council’s declaration of the housing emergency.
It said: “Of employers who responded to the workforce housing survey, 75 per cent said a shortage of housing was a barrier to recruiting or retaining staff.”
Councillor Julie McKenzie (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) asked how the housing strategy was aligned with the local workforce needs.
Douglas Whyte, the council’s housing strategy team lead, said: “We have carried out further surveys. That [declaration of the housing emergency] was done in 2023 and we are continuing to engage with employers to get an understanding of what the needs are, and ways of meeting these needs.
“The main capital funding to deliver affordable housing focuses on the need and demand of the waiting list, but we have had good examples of helping to bring properties back into use for worker accommodation.
“There are the NHS properties on Coll which are back into use, and we have renovated a property in Connel, allowing health and social care workers to live there.
“The example on Mull is a good example of worker accommodation but we will look at the needs and how we can address them. That is outwith the mainstream of the affordable housing supply programme.”
The council, in partnership with the Mull and Iona Community Trust, began developing 12 new worker accommodation units in Tobermory in May 2024.
Councillor McKenzie then asked: “Are we still seeing people reporting homeless in the Oban Lorn and the Isles area and having to be housed in temporary accommodation outwith the Oban Lorn and the Isles area?
“Is there any work ongoing to look at how we can mitigate against doing that?”
Mr Whyte responded: “Occasionally if there is an emergency situation, people are being located in other parts of the authority area with the aim of bringing them back.
“We have seen a reduction in the use of bed and breakfasts, which is a positive.”
