Councillor Ben Mackmurdie

Ben Mackmurdie's council service, spanning from 2018 to 2026, reveals a consistent engagement with regulatory and community welfare issues, with a pronounced and deepening focus on housing and homelessness in his most recent years.

Key Themes and Priorities:

Throughout his tenure, Mackmurdie has demonstrated a sustained interest in licensing and regulatory oversight. This is evident from his early involvement in various Licensing Sub Committees and the Licensing Committee in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024. He also engaged with planning matters in 2019, showing a commitment to local development. However, his priorities have significantly evolved, with a clear and escalating emphasis on housing and homelessness in recent years.

Evolution of Focus:

While his earlier years (2018-2024) show a strong presence in licensing and committee work, often involving seconding motions and attending meetings, his engagement in 2025 and particularly 2026 marks a distinct shift. In 2025, he was actively involved in the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee, probing strategies for rough sleeping and winter shelter provisions, and expressing concerns about the housing market. This focus has intensified in 2026, where housing and homelessness have become his dominant concern. His engagement in 2026 is characterized by direct questioning of council strategies and a deep dive into the practical implications of housing policies.

Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years):

Mackmurdie's most significant contributions are concentrated in 2025 and 2026. In 2026, he has been a vocal advocate for addressing homelessness, actively questioning the use of empty new builds for temporary accommodation and scrutinizing the council's homelessness strategies. His detailed understanding of the impact of direct payments on rent arrears, noting that > arrears exceeding nine weeks trigger mandatory grounds for possession, highlights his practical grasp of the issues. His > absolute positive sentiment about a service, stating he had > great stories to tell, indicates a proactive and supportive approach to solutions. In 2025, his consistent chairmanship of the Licensing Sub Committee C and his impactful participation in the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee, where he sought clarification on key performance indicators and council strategies for rough sleeping, demonstrate leadership and a commitment to social welfare.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

A consistent pattern throughout Mackmurdie's service is his dedication to committee work and scrutiny. Whether it was licensing, planning, or housing, he has consistently sought to understand and influence council operations. His willingness to second motions, particularly those of thanks, suggests a respect for council traditions and a collaborative spirit. His early engagement with resident concerns, such as those related to Quietway 10 in 2018, also points to a foundational commitment to community welfare, which has now clearly manifested in his more recent and intense focus on housing and homelessness.