Councillor Larry Whipper moved a motion for council to investigate including community housing in major subdivisions as well as other options to increase the affordable housing available in the Highlands.

“All councillors around the table are aware how difficult it is for people to find affordable housing and rental,” Cr Whipper said.

“This is really affecting the lives of people in serious ways. I’ve seen people in the industry that I work that have no accommodation at all. They can’t access any services at all because they’ve got nowhere they belong.

“I’ve seen lives change around just simply by the fact they can access accommodation.”

The Demographics and Housing Advisory Committee and council staff will now look at developing a policy and report back to councillors.

Cr Gordon Markwart suggested the committee and council staff look at an option of financial offset on land that may not be suitable for affordable accommodation.

“If for example the land was located in an area remote from public transport, remote from social sports, schools and such like, I don’t think it’s appropriate for social housing,” he said.

“If the land is not appropriately located for someone in a disadvantaged situation, I think it would be more useful to actually have some form of offset which would fund perhaps the purchase of land in another location.”

Cr Turland suggested council could prepare land for affordable housing which could be a joint venture with Argyle Housing.

“I think this council should be considering somehow, not to give them the land, but be joint venture with them so we can actually meet that need,” he said.

“One of the stories I’m told just lately is a lady’s got a child with Asperger and has a Labrador. She can’t afford to stay in the house that allowed the dog. No she’s trying to find somewhere cheaper where she can bring this dog for the kid. That’s where we should be involved in.”

Cr Whipper’s motion received unanimous support.

Once a policy is developed, council will work with social housing providers to provide accommodation for people in the Highlands.