The proposed closures, affecting around 30% of the council’s sheltered housing stock, follow a reported decline in demand, as more older residents are choosing to remain in their own homes with support, rather than move into dedicated accommodation.

In a statement to The P&J, Ally Macleod, head of housing and building standards, said: “We are seeing more people live independently at home. As a result, demand for accommodation in some of our sheltered housing schemes has declined.”

The council is currently consulting with tenants, staff, and communities. The sheltered housing service is funded solely by tenants, and without intervention, it is projected to run at a £135 million loss over the next 30 years.

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.

Council officials have confirmed that no final decisions have been made. 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.

Aberdeenshire Council has also noted the need to make broader savings across its services, including £20m in healthcare-related spending, 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 and deliver services that are more responsive to the changing needs of older residents. According to the council, future investment will be focused on updating existing facilities and ensuring any remaining schemes meet contemporary accessibility and support standards.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Housing & Building Standards, Ally Macleod, said: “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.”