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Share Forbes Court, New Pitsligo on FacebookShare Forbes Court, New Pitsligo on TwitterShare Forbes Court, New Pitsligo on LinkedinEmail Forbes Court, New Pitsligo link
Forbes Court is located in the village of New Pitsligo, which is about 10 miles South-West of Fraserburgh. The block contains 16 flats across 3 levels, and there is a former warden accommodation attached to the block.
Average occupancy at the scheme over 10 years was 87.1%, and has tended to be at a lower level in recent years. There have been challenges in letting vacancies here in the past due to low demand, which has resulted in a loss of income.
Forbes Court has a negative Net Present Value of around -£2.6 million. The main driver of this position is the cost of future investment required at the scheme, which will require substantial subsidy from other tenants.
New Pitsligo offers a GP practice, pharmacy and a few shops for tenants. The nearest large settlement is Fraserburgh, which offers a wide range of amenities. Public transport is available to Banff and Fraserburgh but the timetable is limited, which could present challenges to tenants without access to a car. There is an A2B bus service available, but this requires pre-booking.
The main driver for considering this scheme for closure is the high cost of investment required in future, which would have to be subsidised by other tenants.
Forbes Court is located in the village of New Pitsligo, which is about 10 miles South-West of Fraserburgh. The block contains 16 flats across 3 levels, and there is a former warden accommodation attached to the block.
Average occupancy at the scheme over 10 years was 87.1%, and has tended to be at a lower level in recent years. There have been challenges in letting vacancies here in the past due to low demand, which has resulted in a loss of income.
Forbes Court has a negative Net Present Value of around -£2.6 million. The main driver of this position is the cost of future investment required at the scheme, which will require substantial subsidy from other tenants.
New Pitsligo offers a GP practice, pharmacy and a few shops for tenants. The nearest large settlement is Fraserburgh, which offers a wide range of amenities. Public transport is available to Banff and Fraserburgh but the timetable is limited, which could present challenges to tenants without access to a car. There is an A2B bus service available, but this requires pre-booking.
The main driver for considering this scheme for closure is the high cost of investment required in future, which would have to be subsidised by other tenants.
Share What are the plans for Residents , over what timescale and what are the plans for the Building when you decide to close the facility ?? on FacebookShare What are the plans for Residents , over what timescale and what are the plans for the Building when you decide to close the facility ?? on TwitterShare What are the plans for Residents , over what timescale and what are the plans for the Building when you decide to close the facility ?? on LinkedinEmail What are the plans for Residents , over what timescale and what are the plans for the Building when you decide to close the facility ?? link
What are the plans for Residents , over what timescale and what are the plans for the Building when you decide to close the facility ??
Mikesincil
asked
18 days ago
We understand that tenants and their families are seeking clarity about the future of the sheltered housing scheme and what it means for them and we want to reassure you of the following:
No decision has been made to close the scheme at this stage. The proposal is still under consideration and will only proceed if approved by the Communities Committee. Until then, no final decisions about the future of the building or its tenants have been taken.
Extensive support is available for tenants. Should a decision be made to close the scheme, a comprehensive support package will be in place to assist every tenant. This includes personalised housing options, help with moving, and emotional and practical support throughout the process. Full details are available on the Re-shaping Sheltered Housing engagement page.
Timescales will be carefully managed. If closure is approved, any changes will be phased and planned in close consultation with tenants to ensure minimal disruption and maximum support.
Future use of the building will be determined through the Council’s formal disposal process, which ensures the best possible return for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This process considers community value, financial return, and strategic housing needs.
We remain committed to treating all tenants with dignity and respect, and to ensuring that any decisions made are in the best long-term interest of tenants and the wider housing service.
Share Why have the SH management allowed this financial situation to develop? Why, after 2 years of gathering information, is the only option the management can find is to force vulnerable people out of their homes and communities? The vulnerable people living in these communities are far more important than balancing the books especially when the council has money in reserve that they could allocate a percentage of to provide for the safety and security of these communities. on FacebookShare Why have the SH management allowed this financial situation to develop? Why, after 2 years of gathering information, is the only option the management can find is to force vulnerable people out of their homes and communities? The vulnerable people living in these communities are far more important than balancing the books especially when the council has money in reserve that they could allocate a percentage of to provide for the safety and security of these communities. on TwitterShare Why have the SH management allowed this financial situation to develop? Why, after 2 years of gathering information, is the only option the management can find is to force vulnerable people out of their homes and communities? The vulnerable people living in these communities are far more important than balancing the books especially when the council has money in reserve that they could allocate a percentage of to provide for the safety and security of these communities. on LinkedinEmail Why have the SH management allowed this financial situation to develop? Why, after 2 years of gathering information, is the only option the management can find is to force vulnerable people out of their homes and communities? The vulnerable people living in these communities are far more important than balancing the books especially when the council has money in reserve that they could allocate a percentage of to provide for the safety and security of these communities. link
Why have the SH management allowed this financial situation to develop? Why, after 2 years of gathering information, is the only option the management can find is to force vulnerable people out of their homes and communities? The vulnerable people living in these communities are far more important than balancing the books especially when the council has money in reserve that they could allocate a percentage of to provide for the safety and security of these communities.
CJL29
asked
19 days ago
We understand and share the concern about the impact of the Sheltered Housing review on residents and communities. The service has been under review since 2018, with extensive data gathering and analysis to understand long-term sustainability challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the landscape—demand for sheltered housing dropped, and the cost of essential capital upgrades rose sharply. These pressures have made it clear that doing nothing is not an option. Without action, the financial impact on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) would grow, risking the viability of housing services for all tenants.
We recognise the frustration that, after years of review, the options now being considered may involve changes to people’s homes. These are not decisions taken lightly. Our aim is not to “force” anyone out, but to ensure we can continue to provide safe, appropriate, and sustainable housing for older people across Aberdeenshire.
We also acknowledge the point about council reserves. However, reserves are limited and earmarked for a range of essential services. The HRA is a ring-fenced account, and using general reserves to subsidise it is not a sustainable long-term solution.
We remain committed to working with residents, families, and communities to explore all viable options and to support those affected with care and respect.
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