McArthur seeks reassurances over the future of the Rural and Islands Housing Fund

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today called on the government to ensure the continuity of funding under the Rural and Islands Housing funds for community development projects. 

Speaking at Social Justice Portfolio Questions in the chamber, Mr McArthur highlighted that, unlike local authorities and housing associations, community development projects do not receive any security in the form of resource planning assumptions over election periods. 

This has left many working in the community housing sector in Orkney and other rural and island communities concerned that they may face a ‘cliff-edge’ next year, as disruptions to funding arrangements under the Rural and Islands Housing Fund could force projects to cease their work on vital housing solutions.

In response to Mr McArthur’s question, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville offered assurances that at present there are no plans to make changes to current funding arrangements, but acknowledged the importance of providing more support for the community housing sector in island communities and offered to engage with Mr McArthur further on the matter. 

Commenting after the exchange Mr McArthur said: 

“Community development projects are key to efforts to deliver sustainable and affordable housing in island communities such as Orkney. I have seen firsthand the real progress that such groups have been making in different parts of the county to meet the needs of communities and address the growing housing crisis.

“These projects rely heavily on the Rural and Islands Housing Fund, and I know there has been real concern that valuable time, expertise and resources could be wasted if work is disrupted due to a lack of access to funding in an election year. 

“In that context, therefore, I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s confirmation that the Fund will continue throughout the election year in 2026. I hope this will give those taking forward community projects in Orkney the reassurance they require so that communities get the housing they desperately need."