Housing shortage contributes to local government staffing challenges

A local authority attributes its difficulties in attracting and keeping employees primarily to the scarcity of affordable accommodation. Westmorland and Furness Council reports that this issue is exacerbated by competition for personnel from the adjacent Cumberland Council and major corporations, such as the Barrow shipyard. The council, led by Liberal Democrats, stated it has launched a new online platform and adopted flexible and hybrid work arrangements in an effort to draw in additional individuals. However, independent councillor Mary Robinson contends that the authority will remain constrained unless “more funding is provided by the government”. According to a report, the council has encountered multiple challenges in recruitment since the local government reorganisation was implemented in April 2023. The report further noted that the “rising cost of housing” could negatively affect its capacity to attract employees, especially those from urban regions. Additional difficulties cited encompass the region’s aging labor force, its rural geographical characteristics, the extensive recruitment efforts required as a newly established council, and heightened competition for personnel. Robinson, who leads the Independent and Green group, is of the opinion that the authority “faces some serious challenges”. She commented: “We have sadly known about these problems for donkey years, there are real problems, but it’s nothing new.” She added: “I don’t feel the council can do anything unless there’s a real change of approach from the government, it’s got to come from the top.” Robinson indicated that “serious issues” exist concerning rural housing and the scarcity of affordable, family-sized residences. She further remarked: “There’s so many buildings standing empty, but developers aren’t going to focus on brownfield sites unless the government covers the costs.” Judith Derbyshire, the council’s housing portfolio holder, stated that the authority was “trying to make ourselves as attractive as possible for people to come and work for us”. She commented: “We have an issue where we’ve got big employers in the region who, putting it bluntly, are offering better wages. But it’s up to us to pull some of those skilled workers back.” The report also states: “It’s inevitable Cumberland and Westmorland are drawing from the same talent pool. “Meanwhile BAE are aiming to increase their workforce by 5,000.” The Local Government Association reports that 94% of UK councils face recruitment and retention challenges “reflective” of those experienced by Westmorland, particularly in social services, education, and healthcare sectors. Audiences can connect with BBC Cumbria via X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story proposals may be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. This material is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Details regarding our policy on external linking are available.