Future of 17 Aberdeenshire sheltered housing schemes decided

A new ‘enhanced housing’ model of housing support is to see a number of Aberdeenshire sheltered housing schemes remain in use as part of proposals agreed by Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee. 

At a special meeting of the committee at Woodhill House in Aberdeen today (Fri, Jul 4), councillors considered the outcome of a wide-ranging review of 17 sheltered housing schemes across Aberdeenshire. 

Following a detailed discussion of the information gathered about each complex and engagement with tenants, it was agreed that three schemes will remain in use for sheltered housing services.

The enhanced housing model was supported for a further eight schemes in principle, subject to further discussion with tenants about what this will mean in practical terms. Further details will be brought back to the committee in November. 

Following a vote, six schemes have been identified for closure over the next few years, with a commitment given to ongoing discussion with tenants to discuss individual needs, timescales, and the possibility of alternative solutions. 

The review of sheltered housing provision began in 2023, stemming from an earlier review of the council’s Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and seven workstreams that were identified. 

The review of the council’s entire estate of 56 complexes took account of changing demand for accommodation and financial challenges, with the 17 identified for further consideration. The project has been coupled with a multi-million programme of investment and modernisation over the next 30 years. 

The proposals before the committee were developed following weeks of engagement with sheltered housing tenants and their families, councillors, and local communities. Feedback was also sought from Aberdeenshire Council’s six area committees.

During the meeting, councillors heard from 14 people who had requested to speak before the committee; most being tenants of sheltered housing schemes, family members, or community representatives. 

Many spoke in connection with individual sheltered housing schemes, talking of the ‘sense of family’ the complexes offered, and highlighting the stress experienced by tenants around the review. Most called for rejection of plans to close facilities and called for the council to consider other methods of achieving budget savings.

The committee also noted three petitions calling for the council to keep schemes open. 

Discussing the proposals for individual complexes, the committee agreed that Doune Court in Strathdon, Gamrie Bay Court in Gardenstown, and Invercairn Court in Cairnbulg should continue to operate at sheltered housing schemes. 

Councillors also supported a call by Cllr Glen Reynolds that a decision to move eight schemes to the enhanced housing model should only be made in principle at this stage to allow for further discussion with tenants before finalisation. 

The enhanced housing approach will see sheltered housing services continue for existing tenants and introduce accommodation for adults over 55 who are largely independent and do not require full sheltered housing services. 

This model is planned for sheltered housing complexes at Airlie House, Kintore; Cantlay Court, Cruden Bay; Deveron Court, Turriff; Forbes Court, New Pitsligo; James Cullen Court, Huntly; Kinbroom House, Rothienorman; Nether Davah House, Inverurie; and Slater Court, Ellon. 

Following a vote, it was agreed that sheltered housing services will end, or end in part, on a phased basis at Albany Court, Fraserburgh; Burnside Court, Portsoy; Cumrye, Cuminestown; Malcolm Forbes Court, Rosehearty; Mearns Court, Laurencekirk; and Renouard Court, St Fergus. 

Committee vice-chair Cllr Sarah Brown moved that councillors support the recommendations for closure, commenting that she was reassured by the housing service’s commitment to provide support to tenants on a one-to-one basis and that timescales would be person-centred. The motion was seconded by Cllr Sam Payne. 

Cllr Glen Reynolds lodged an amendment calling for plans for closures to be halted to allow for further discussions with tenants, including around the enhanced housing model. The amendment was seconded by Cllr Neil Baillie. 

Following the vote, the motion was passed by nine votes to five. 

Speaking after the committee, chair Cllr Anne Stirling said: “The decisions that have been reached have been the result of a significant amount of consideration, driven by detailed engagement with tenants, their families, and wider communities but this does not mark the end of conversations that will happen locally. 

“I would like to thank all those who came to speak before the committee to share their open and frank views about the review and its impact and would add my personal apologies for any stress or anxiety that’s been caused by this process as that was not the intention. 

“I hope that it’s understood that without having gone through this we would not have been able to develop a sheltered housing model that is sustainable, affordable and that will serve us into the future, allowing us to focus investment where it is most needed. 

“I would like to assure all tenants that no changes will be taking place in the short term. We will continue our local discussions to help tenants shape the next steps, taking a person-centred approach around any changes for individuals.”

The decision means sheltered housing services are to continue at:

•    Doune Court, Strathdon 
•    Gamrie Bay Court, Gardenstown
•    Invercairn Court, Cairnbulg

The phased transition to the new enhanced housing model has been approved in principle for: 
 
•    Airlie House, Kintore
•    Cantlay Court, Cruden Bay
•    Deveron Court, Turriff
•    Forbes Court, New Pitsligo
•    James Cullen Court, Huntly
•    Kinbroom House, Rothienorman
•    Nether Davah House, Inverurie
•    Slater Court, Ellon

Sheltered housing services are to end, or end in part, on a phased basis at: 

•    Albany Court, Fraserburgh (services to end in main block of 41 flats), with continuation of services at the three linked cottages
•    Burnside Court, Portsoy
•    Cumrye, Cuminestown (services to end in main block of 13 flats), with continuation of services at the four linked cottages
•    Malcolm Forbes Court, Rosehearty
•    Mearns Court, Laurencekirk (services to end in main block of 18 flats), with continuation of services at the 24 linked cottages
•    Renouard Court, St Fergus

A report will be brought back before the committee in November to review the progress of implementing the proposals.