Thursday September 17th 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Scottish Borders Council today highlighted the measures in place for people across the region to be as safe as houses.
The local authority is marking Scottish Housing Day on Wednesday, September 16, by outlining the support available to help people live in safe, warm, accessible and sustainable homes.
The event celebrates the importance of housing and the positive impact it has on people’s lives, communities and well-being.
This year’s theme, Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures, focuses on the vital role good quality housing plays in supporting physical health, mental well-being, independence and quality of life.
A safe and well-maintained home can help people stay healthy, reduce the risk of homes becoming cold or damp, support independent living and help create stronger communities.
Throughout the year, SBC works with homeowners, landlords, tenants and partner organisations to improve housing conditions, provide housing support and make best use of existing homes across the region.
Councillor Carol Hamilton, the council’s Executive Member for Housing & Culture, said: “Scottish Housing Day is an opportunity to recognise the important role housing plays in people’s health, wellbeing and independence.
“Good quality homes do more than provide shelter – they help build futures by giving people the stability, security and confidence they need to live well, remain connected to their communities and plan for the years ahead.
“Our Housing Strategy team works with residents, landlords and partners throughout the year to provide advice, practical support and access to schemes that can help people maintain, adapt and improve their homes.”
The Housing Strategy team provides advice and support to homeowners dealing with property condition issues and housing disrepair.
By helping owners understand repair options and access available support, the team aims to prevent problems from worsening and encourage long-term maintenance.
The team also administers the council’s Missing Share Scheme, which can help essential common repairs in tenement and flatted properties move forward where a missing contribution from one or more owners would otherwise delay or prevent vital work.
Recent support through the scheme enabled important roof repairs to proceed, helping protect homes from ongoing water damage.
Maintaining a healthy home also means ensuring properties meet the changing needs of the people who live in them.
Through the council’s Scheme of Assistance, homeowners and private tenants may be able to access financial support towards adaptations that help disabled people remain safe and independent at home.
Recent projects supported through the scheme have included the creation of an accessible bedroom and bathroom within a property, enabling the occupant to continue living safely and independently at home.
The Housing Strategy team works closely with landlords and tenants across the Borders.
Through landlord registration and engagement activity, the team promotes good standards in the private rented sector, helping landlords understand their responsibilities and ensuring tenants can access advice and information about their rights.
From October 6 this year, new requirements under Awaab’s Law will strengthen protections for tenants by requiring landlords to investigate reports of damp and mould and begin any necessary repairs within set timescales.
Making best use of existing housing stock is another important part of the team’s work.
Empty homes can provide valuable housing opportunities when returned to use, helping address local housing need while improving neighbourhoods.
SBC works with owners of long-term empty properties to explore options for bringing homes back into occupation, helping to reduce the number of vacant properties and increase the supply of available housing across the Scottish Borders.
Warm, energy efficient homes can help reduce fuel poverty, lower energy bills and make properties more comfortable to live in.
The council works alongside the Scottish Government and organisations such as Changeworks to deliver measures that improve energy efficiency and help futureproof buildings in the Borders.
This includes support for measures such as air-source heat pumps, internal wall insulation and the development of heat network opportunities across the region. These activities support warmer, more efficient buildings and contribute to the wider transition to net zero.
Whether you are a homeowner looking for advice on repairs or energy efficiency measures, a landlord seeking guidance, a tenant requiring support, or the owner of an empty property, help and information are available.
For more information, please contact Housing Strategy, Policy and Development on 0300 100 1800 or use the council’s online contact form.
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