Councillors in the Borders have agreed to declare a housing emergency in the region.

It comes after a report highlighted the “significant challenges” the local authority is facing in ensuring people have access to homes which meet their needs.

Scottish Borders Council heard that the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis had intensified housing issues across the UK.

Temporary housing is at an all-time high in the region and plans to build 184 affordable homes over the next year are unlikely to be achieved.

The Local Democracy Service, external reported that the number of applications for social housing properties had doubled in five years – with Scottish Borders Housing Association receiving 104 bids for just five new homes at its latest development in Kelso.

Councillor Julie Pirone, who supported the declaration, said: “I believe quite strongly that we are in a housing emergency.

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