ÓûÂþɬ Council is launching a new research initiative to better understand how a lack of suitable housing affects one of the area’s most pressing challenges: the decline in younger and working-age households.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, the project will look at how housing influences people’s decisions to stay, leave, or relocate to the area.
The research will focus on two key areas:
- Workforce housing: What types and numbers of affordable, suitable homes are needed to support ÓûÂþɬ’s current and future workforce?
- Younger and working-age households: What are the experiences of people aged 16–44 living in ÓûÂþɬ? For those who have left, what influenced that decision—and could better housing options encourage them to return?
The Council is keen to hear from:
- People aged 16–44 currently living in ÓûÂþɬ or considering a move to the area
- Those who’ve left the region in the past 10 years and might be open to returning
- Anyone with a friend or family member who fits this description and is willing to share their story
How You Can Help:
- Participate in the research
- Share this opportunity with your employees, networks, and community groups
- Contact us to suggest other organisations or events where we can promote the research
The younger and working-age household survey is now live and can be accessed below. The survey will run until 9th November 2025, and all responses will be confidential and used solely for research purposes. The survey is being conducted by Research Resource, a company registered under the Data Protection Act.
