Recent legislation on short-term lets is a “sledgehammer to crack a nut” blanket intervention.
In addition to affordable homes for rent, more controls are required on short-term lets and second homes. She said a multi-pronged approach is needed, along with more local decision-making. The trust is working with Argyll and Bute Council and others to deliver key worker accommodation and is undertaking a study to assess the economic impact this could have. “We need to re-populate, but we need to retain the younger demographic in our islands and rural areas.” Helen MacDonald says a multi-pronged approach is needed to tackle depopulation. “As well as the population decline, we need to address the demographics within the population. “What we need to do is retain young, working-age people that are going to work on our essential jobs and services. People are retiring here because they can afford to and are looking for a lifestyle change. “Mull has a fairly stable population but an ageing one. Properties are being snapped up, often without viewing, for second and holiday homes.įigures from Argyll and Bute Council show average residential property prices rose by 12.5% between 2019-22 to £194,392 – unaffordable for 76% of local residents. However, the cost of housing and the lack of it is the main stumbling block for people. She said other problems including fuel poverty, transport issues and lack of childcare add to the challenge. “I have people contacting me saying they are interested in jobs and moving to Mull but they cannot find anywhere to live.” There are also nursing vacancies in the local hospital. She said a high school teacher recently left Mull as accommodation could not be found. “It’s negatively affecting our economy and it’s across all sectors.” Helen MacDonald, the trust’s housing development manager, said: “It’s been really obvious in the last few seasons that the lack of staff is directly linked to the lack of housing. More than 75% of the 50 businesses which took part said a lack of accommodation impacts on their operations and restricts recruitment and retention of staff. It said housing is needed for at least 260 staff across the islands which is hampering the economy, stifling business development and negatively impacting on essential public services. Lack of housing for workers is ‘hampering the economy’Įarlier this year a study by The Mull and Iona Community Trust confirmed the “overwhelming and urgent need” for staff accommodation for local businesses and public sector organisations. The designation of Argyll and the islands as a repopulation zone could act as a ‘call to action’ to tackle the ongoing issue of losing people from the area.Ī major challenge for the community is an ageing and declining population.Īccording to the National Records of Scotland, Argyll and Bute lost around 5,000 residents (5%) since 1981 and 2,700 (3%) since 2011.Ī further drop of 10% is predicted by 2041.īut a lack of affordable housing is preventing job vacancies from being filled to help bring in working-age residents. Loading Spinner An icon of a loading spinner. Success Tick Timeout An icon of a greyed out success tick. Information An icon of an information logo. Speech Bubble Icon A icon displaying a speech bubble WhatsApp An icon of the WhatsApp logo. Video Camera An icon of a video camera shape. Previous An icon of an arrow pointing to the left. Notice An explanation mark centred inside a circle. Next An icon of an arrow pointing to the right. Hamburger Menu Icon An icon used to represent a collapsed menu. Search Icon A magnifying glass icon that is used to represent the function of searching. Magnifying Glass An icon of a magnifying glass. Comments An icon of a speech bubble, denoting user comments. Close Icon An icon used to represent where to interact to collapse or dismiss a component Comment An icon of a speech bubble. Breaking An icon of an exclamation mark on a circular background.
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