![](/media/12802/stuart-black-by-john-paul-web.jpg?width=630&height=350&v=1d8c1db6d5bf010&format=webp&quality=100)
The first meeting of a sub-group set up to address the housing problem facing the Highlands and Islands took place in Inverness on Wednesday 5 July, with members agreeing to challenge the norms and bring about changes that will better support the housing needs of the region.
The 12-member sub-group was set up by the Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership in recognition of the critical influence the housing crisis is having on businesses and communities across the region.
It is chaired by Stuart Black, chief executive of HIE, with membership including representatives from public agencies, local authorities and representative bodies, including those from the housebuilding industry.
In its first meeting, members discussed what the group’s priorities should be, as well as a rural and island housing action plan and resources required to make real progress.
They agreed to focus on actions to address the business need for suitable accommodation to be available for existing employees and new recruits, enabling businesses to grow and more people to remain in the region.
Actions will include gathering data on economic activity over the next 10 years, including jobs growth projections, as well as on the region’s building companies and labour force. This information will be used to inform any potential interventions.
Speaking after the meeting, Stuart Black said:
“Housing is a huge issue for the Highlands and Islands and one that impacts the extent to which many different organisations can deliver progress for the region, so it has to be addressed. Achieving success however will take collaboration across a wide range of interests, and that’s why this sub-group was set up.
“There is a big job to be done and it will take some considerable effort to make a real difference. The role of the sub-group is to speed up the process; to focus on the links between housing, jobs and the economy, and to draw from best practice. We’re all very pleased to have got things moving and looking forward to identifying where we can make the most impact in the short, medium and long terms.”
Related Articles
£1.3m investment approved by HIE in the Outer Hebrides 2023/24
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
New director of area operations
Joanna Peteranna took up the role on 1 July.
£1.5m investment approved by HIE in Shetland in 2023-24
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Over 1,200 jobs supported by HIE in 2023/24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
HIE empowers graduates to drive economic growth
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
Two new HIE Board members appointed
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.
Why childcare is important to regional development
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
Hyundai MoU could benefit Highlands and Islands
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.
HIE accredited for carbon literacy
HIE awarded silver accreditation for progress in becoming carbon literate.
Property demand study launched by HIE
Property demand study launched by HIE