The strategy has been developed by Orkney’s multi-agency Housing Market Partnership and sets out the priorities and actions required locally for housing across three key areas: housing supply, housing quality and access to housing.

The strategy sits alongside a Scottish Government-endorsed Orkney Housing Need and Demand Assessment which sets out the likely number of houses required over the next 20 years in Orkney, dependent on changes to the size of Orkney’s community in that time

This has subsequently been broken down to a 10-year housing supply target which has been set at 1,035 homes over ten years – or 103 homes a year – across private, rented and social housing.

The work of the Partnership follows on from the findings of the ‘Orkney Matters’ community consultation exercise which was led by the council in 2021 and 2022, with local housing being a key concern raised by the public.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, chair of the council’s education, leisure and housing committee, said: “Housing is undoubtedly an issue locally and one that is raised time and again with elected members by our community.

“The Local Housing Strategy is an absolutely crucial document for the Council and its housing partners moving forward as we look to provide more homes, we look to ensure that those homes are quality warm homes and that there is access and choice for all.

“I’d encourage folk locally to take a look at the document and make their views known.”

The strategy covers a five year period from 2024–29 and includes an action plan setting out actions such as the development of a house build programme, a housing strategy for essential workers and an increase of the resources available through the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme to help tackle fuel poverty.

The consultation will close at the end of February with consultation documents available here.