In recent weeks, the council has been engaging with tenants and local communities through public sessions to explore the financial and practical challenges associated with the future of these services.

As part of this review, the council is planning a significant £100 million investment over the next 30 years to modernise its sheltered housing provision. This investment will focus on upgrading facilities and introducing enhanced digital services, such as video doorbells and automated entry systems, allowing tenants to answer their doors more easily, whether from inside their homes or remotely.

Plans also include working closely with residents to reimagine and modernise shared spaces to better reflect the evolving needs and preferences of tenants.

The review has been prompted by several key factors, including rising costs for maintenance and repairs, the need for upgrades, and declining demand for places in certain areas. It forms part of a broader review of the council’s Housing Revenue Account, aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of housing services.

Ally Macleod, head of housing at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Our priority is to deliver a modern, affordable sheltered housing service that meets the needs of tenants for decades to come. To do this, we must adapt our approach. Some of our buildings are no longer fit for modernisation, and in some areas, demand has dropped.

“Our £100m investment will help us enhance our housing offer through modern technology and tenant-led improvements, while ensuring a strong future for many of our schemes.

“We recognise this process may be unsettling for those directly affected, and we are committed to providing personalised support to all tenants during this time of change.”

Further details about the specific challenges facing each sheltered housing scheme, as well as background on the review, are available here.