Karen Merriman, Orkney Health branch, moved Motion 38, highlighting the severe housing crisis facing remote and rural communities and its impact on public services.
She explained that the lack of affordable, suitable housing is making it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain essential workers in health, social care and education, placing additional pressure on existing staff and threatening the sustainability of local services.
Karen called for coordinated national action to increase investment in affordable and key worker housing, work with public service partners to address workforce challenges, and support campaigns for housing justice in remote and rural communities.
She stressed that secure, affordable housing is essential to sustaining public services and ensuring rural communities can continue to thrive.