ARGYLL and Bute Council’s leader has pledged to continue to fight for the area during its housing crisis after another councillor voiced concerns on future resources.

A report indicated that the authority could expect a year on year decline of Scottish Government resource allocation during the remainder of its Strategic Housing Investment Programme (SHIP).

The document said that the figures predicted were not a definitive allocation, but Councillor Peter Wallace (Conservative, Isle of Bute) expressed concern.

Councillor Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) said that the councillor made “a valid point”, and moved a motion asking the council to continue to speak up for Argyll and Bute.

The motion was unanimously agreed during a full council meeting on Thursday, November 21.

The report, published in advance of the meeting, said: “The Scottish Government have not yet agreed the resource planning allocation (RPA) for future years of the SHIP programme.

“The council has been advised of an assumed RPA for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28 of 80 per cent, 60 per cent and 40 per cent of current year RPA levels based on programme management advice from the Scottish Government.

“It is important to note that the figures for 2025/26 to 2027/2028 are not a formal definitive allocation and no indication has been provided at all for later years.

“It should be noted that this is potential investment for Argyll and Bute, dependent on actual need and deliverability of suitable projects. While obviously very welcome, this level of funding will also present real challenges for the council and its partners.

“This would be subject to sufficient complementary funding being available from the council and RSLs (registered social landlords) themselves to support the programme; and the capacity of the constrained local construction industry to gear up to such an enhanced level of productivity.

“Officers will continue to explore with Scottish Government and through COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities), areas of flexibility in uses of the RPA which will help us to maximise its utilisation.”

Cllr Wallace then said at the meeting: “I have real concerns about RPAs. We have just discussed a report that highlights the shortage of affordable housing across Argyll and Bute.

“It is one of thirteen authorities to have declared a housing emergency along with the Scottish Government, but to put forward cuts year on year does not seem a logical emergency response.

“It is like discovering that your house is on fire, and disconnecting the hose and fighting it with buckets of water instead.

“We need to urge the Scottish Government that now is the time to put more money into housing, not less.”

Cllr Lynch remarked that Cllr Wallace had made “a valid point” and moved the motion that the council should: “Continue to speak up for Argyll and Bute, highlighting the issues that will help to ensure that everyone who needs a home can find one that they can afford, in the right place and at the right time.”

Cllr Wallace had intended to move a motion, but decided not to after seeing Councillor Lynch’s submission, which was unanimously agreed.