The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is submitted annually to the Scottish Government and shows how, based on a range of funding assumptions, new housing projects can be delivered by a range of partners. The availability of suitable land and readiness of the construction sector are also key factors.

Councillor Mark Rowley, SBC’s executive member for economic regeneration and finance, said:  “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact on construction projects across the Scottish Borders, including housebuilding, and it may take some time for the sector to be fully back up and running again.

“I remain hopeful that we can reach this ambitious target by 2026. This would not only provide high quality, energy efficient affordable homes for local people, but deliver a significant boost to the local economy at a critical time, with an estimated investment of around £166 million to create these homes.”

Working closely with our Registered Social Landlord partners we estimate up to 122 additional affordable homes could be completed by the end of next April.

Councillor Rowley added: “Given the challenges faced throughout 2020, and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 the delivery of 122 affordable homes in the local area would be above the annual average and a tremendous achievement for all concerned”

The 2021-2026 Strategic Housing Investment Plan will be the twelfth to be submitted by the council, during which time a total of 1,270 new affordable homes have been built.