For all businesses in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute
51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council is inviting businesses to give their views on the area’s housing shortage and help gain an insight into the number of new homes needed to enable further economic growth in the region.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, the council has launched a survey as a part of the 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Housing Emergency Action Plan that was agreed by the council in 2024. The survey aims to assess whether local businesses are struggling to recruit or retain staff due to a lack of housing, and whether a shortage of housing is a barrier to growing the economy.
This research also links to the Young Economically Active Persons survey, which was launched in September, and the deadline for responses has been extended until 16th November 2025. More information about this survey can be found at: Depopulation Research Survey | 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council.
What the Research Will Explore:
- Younger and Working-Age Economically Active Households (16–44): What are the housing experiences of those living in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute and those who’ve left? Could better housing options help people stay, return, or move to the area?
- Workforce Housing – How many affordable and suitable homes are required to sustain 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute’s current and future workforce? What housing options are required to meet these needs?
The Employer Workforce Housing survey was launched on 10th November 2025 and will run until 22nd December 2025.
Ultimately, the research aims to design and coproduce workforce housing solutions to maximise the retention of younger/working age households currently living in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute and encourage the return of households who have left. This includes working with local employers to understand the extent of housing related recruitment and retention pressures facing local businesses. To achieve this, the research depends on strong engagement with both public and private sector employers, housing providers and economic development agencies.
The Council is keen to hear from ALL employers across 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute to understand the housing related recruitment and retention pressures you are experiencing. Your insights will help shape real solutions to support vibrant, sustainable communities across 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute.
How You Can Help:
- Participate in the research by completing the survey
- Share this opportunity with your colleagues and networks
- Suggest other organisations or events where we can promote the research
All responses will be strictly confidential and used only for research purposes. The study is being conducted by Arneil Johnston, a copy of their privacy notice is available at: .
