COMMUNITY
KEY WORKER HOUSING CRISIS IS STIFLING MULL Accommodation is urgently needed for at least 260 workers across Mull and Iona. The lack of key worker accommodation is stifling businesses, hampering the islands’ economy and negatively impacting on essential public services, says a report. A feasibility study commissioned by Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) shows there is an ‘overwhelming’ housing need for staff working at island businesses, as well as schools, healthcare and other public sector organisations. MICT’s general manager Moray Finch says funding will now be sought for an accommodation pilot scheme, working with Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands
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and Islands Enterprise, businesses and other stakeholders. More than 50 businesses responded to the survey that formed the report, with more than 75 per cent of them confirming the lack of accommodation was impacting them, restricting the number of staff they could recruit and creating problems keeping workers two thirds of them said the situation was limiting plans to grow their businesses. Results showed accommodation is needed right now for 127 workers and for 133 others across the islands. Given the survey was only a sample of businesses, the reality of actual demand is much higher, says the report that recommended MICT
should go ahead with developing accommodation for key workers and consider a pilot project working with Argyll and Bute Council. Moveable pods, modular new build accommodation and shared accommodation options are just some of the ideas put forward in the report that makes a strong case that investment from the council’s £70million Rural Growth Deal would have a significant positive impact. One third of businesses which took part in the survey said they would be willing to invest in a solution but the report acknowledged delivering key worker accommodation would not be straight forward. Up until now, plans have been restrained by issues including access to land and
| SUMMER 2022
Mull & Iona Life issue 46.indd 32
17/06/2022 14:52:25
