DUMFRIES and Galloway Council has scooped up a national award for its approach to tackling the region’s housing crisis.
Selected as one of just six finalists from across the UK, council officers won the Innovation in Housing category at the prestigious 2025 Municipal Journal Awards held in London.
he judges described the approach as ‘unique’, recognising it as national best practice. Key areas praised by the judges included: community regeneration particularly in Lochside, Dumfries; Community Asset Transfer, with four properties successfully into community ownership, leading to community-led affordable housing; an innovative approach to Ukrainian Resettlement, which brought empty properties up to standard to make new homes for New Scots.
Councillor Stephen Thompson, Leader of the council said: “I’m delighted that the work across our council and within communities has been recognised as the very best practice in the UK. This award demonstrates our commitment to tackling the housing emergency with creativity, collaboration and determination. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to council officers who are driving forward this important work.”
