Scottish council considers closing one-third of its sheltered housing schemes
A Scottish council is considering the closure of up to one-third of its sheltered housing schemes as it looks to plug a funding gap in the loss-making service.
Aberdeenshire Council has proposed to close up to 17 of its 56 sheltered housing complexes as part of a region-wide review into the financial viability of its housing and assisted living facilities.
This is because demand for sheltered housing is falling as more older residents choose to stay in their own homes with support rather than move into dedicated accommodation.
The council is currently consulting with tenants, staff and communities. The sheltered housing service is funded solely by tenants. Without intervention, it is projected to run at a £135m loss over the next 30 years.
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The consultation includes a comprehensive review of existing schemes, assessing their suitability, occupancy levels and future investment needs. The findings will be used to inform a report presented to councillors for formal consideration.
If closures do go ahead, the process would be phased and tailored to individual tenant needs. Sites identified as no longer viable may be decommissioned over a number of years.
Ally Macleod, head of housing and building standards at Aberdeenshire Council, told the Aberdeen Press & Journal: “We are seeing more people live independently at home. As a result, demand for accommodation in some of our sheltered housing schemes has declined.”
Aberdeenshire Council is also seeking to make broader savings across its services, including £20m in healthcare-related spending, amid increasing pressure to streamline underused or financially unsustainable facilities.
The review and associated discussions form part of a long-term strategy to modernise sheltered housing across the region, with future investment focused on updating existing facilities and ensuring any remaining schemes meet accessibility and support standards.
Mr Macleod added: “Our conversations about the future provision of sheltered housing services across Aberdeenshire are continuing with tenants, staff and communities.
“What we are looking at is the long-term delivery of sheltered housing provision over the next 30 years, with significant investment to modernise complexes and meet the changing needs of our tenants.
“What we’re seeing just now is more people living at home independently, and as a result we have seen demand for accommodation in some of our sheltered housing schemes fall.
“Our schemes are funded solely by tenants, and our new strategy will aim to provide a modern, sustainable service that offers best value. Without making necessary changes, the sheltered housing service faces a loss of £135m over the next 30 years.
“This has been a comprehensive review of all aspects of service delivery and we will be considering all of the feedback gathered and present a report to councillors to discuss in due course. We would like to thank those who have shared their views so far for their detailed and honest responses.
“Should a decision be made to close any sheltered housing schemes, the timing will be determined by the needs of tenants, on an individual basis, and would be phased over a number of years.”
Inside Housing approached Aberdeenshire Council for additional comment on the proposed closures.
