Dumfries and Galloway SNP Councillors

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Agenda for Dumfries and Galloway Council Tackling Poverty, Inequalities and Housing Sub Committee - Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026

- Presentation by Joseph Rowntree Foundation

- End of Year Evaluation Report on Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Projects

- Housing Options and Homelessness Service Update

- Dumfries and Galloway Council Local Housing Strategy 2025-2030

- Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme 2026/2027

🔗 Papers: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=627&MId=6546

Agenda for Dumfries and Galloway Council Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Sub-Committee, Tuesday 2nd June 2026

- Presentations: Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and Southern Upland Partnership

- Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity Action Plan Refresh

- Solway Coast and Marine Project Landscape Connections, Project Update

- Nature Restoration Fund Allocation 2026/2027

🔗 Papers: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=634&MId=6504

Dumfries Activity and Resource Centre (ARC) celebrated its 60th anniversary in style with a vibrant Blue and Gold Ball at the Cairndale Hotel on Saturday 2 May.

The ARC, which supports adults with learning disabilities and additional needs, marked the milestone with an event designed and led by the people who use the service. From choosing the theme to selecting the entertainment, service users were involved in every aspect of planning the celebration.

Held at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries, the evening included a three-course meal followed by dancing, with live music provided by band “Ignition”, chosen by service users. Guests embraced the theme, arriving in formal wear and selecting blue and gold decorations, creating a memorable and inclusive celebration.

The event was well attended, with a strong sense of community and pride throughout the evening as service users, staff and supporters came together to celebrate six decades of the ARC.

Special thanks are extended to the Cairndale Hotel for generously providing the venue free of charge to support the milestone event.

Cllr Andy McFarlane and Cllr John Young said:

See details for Cllr Lowe’s surgeries in Abbey Ward ⬇️

COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

With the support of the Member Support, I am pleased to announce that I will be doing surgeries across the ward on a monthly basis.

First Monday - Troqueer Church Centre - 1.15pm

Second Monday - Colvend Village Hall - 1.15pm

Second Monday - Kippford Village Hall - 2.30pm

Third Monday - New Abbey Village Hall - 1.15pm

Fourth Monday - Dalbeattie - Wee Hoose, Rocks and Wheels - 1.30pm

Initially an hour is being booked at each. Appointments will be preferred to guarantee being seen, and once my poster is ready I'll share that online and get printed ones out across Troqueer, Islesteps, New Abbey, Southerness, Kirkbean, Carsethorn, Colvend, Kippford and Dalbeattie. Other locations may be added or times extended as needed.

First date 8th June at Colvend. If you already know you have something you want to raise, please email [email protected] with venue, preferred date and an outline of the issue(s) to be discussed.

Excellent news for Gatehouse

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤

This week, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Social Work Services Committee discussed a number of important items.

Your SNP Councillors recognised progress across children’s services, homelessness support and adult care, alongside the development of the Dumfries and Galloway Bairns’ Hoose: a major step towards more joined-up, trauma-informed support for young people in our region.

This pioneering facility will bring child protection, health, justice and recovery services together in one safe, child-friendly environment, helping reduce trauma and ensure children receive the right support at the right time. Final preparations are underway ahead of the service becoming operational.

There is still pressure on services and growing demand, but we will make sure the Council remains focused on protecting frontline support, backing staff, and delivering services that work for local communities - particularly those who are most vulnerable.

Cllr Andy McFarlane and Cllr John Young said:

No child should grow up in poverty.

New figures show thousands of children in Dumfries and Galloway are actively benefitting from the SNP’s Scottish Child Payment.

The weekly payment of £28.20 is helping to support families, ease the cost-of-living, and give every child the best possible start in life.

Read more 🔗 https://www.gov.scot/news/over-321-000-children-getting-vital-support/