Malcolm Forbes Court, Rosehearty

Thank you for your query and for highlighting the application figures received through the Freedom of Information request.

We appreciate that, on the surface, the number of applications for Sheltered Housing over the past five years may suggest that demand is stable or even increasing. However, it’s important to clarify the actual demand for Sheltered Housing, goes beyond the number of applications received.

Many applicants tick the box for Sheltered Housing as a general preference, but are later found to be ineligible or not actively seeking this type of accommodation. In some cases, applicants are already housed appropriately or are not ready to move, meaning their application does not reflect immediate or realistic demand.

Additionally, demand varies significantly by location. Some schemes remain popular and well-occupied, while others—particularly in more rural or less accessible areas—have experienced persistent low demand and high turnover. This uneven demand is a key factor in the current review.

So while the total number of applications may appear consistent, the number of eligible, ready-to-move applicants actively seeking sheltered housing in specific schemes has declined in several areas. This is what council staff are referring to when they speak about reduced demand.

We remain committed to ensuring that any decisions made are based on a full understanding of both the data and the lived experience of tenants and applicants. Thank you again for your engagement.

Thank you for your question regarding the necessity of the items identified for future investment.

As part of the Sheltered Housing review, each scheme has been assessed against a four criteria. The items identified for investment are not arbitrary—they reflect the minimum requirements needed to bring schemes up to modern standards and ensure they remain safe, comfortable, and fit for purpose over the long term.

While we always aim to deliver value for money, removing or deferring key elements of investment—such as fire safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, or essential structural repairs—would compromise the quality and safety of the housing provided. In many cases, the cost of partial upgrades would still be significant, without delivering the full benefits needed to meet current and future expectations.

That said, we continue to review all investment plans carefully and explore opportunities to phase work, seek efficiencies, or look at alternatives to reduce costs.

Thank you for your question. It’s true that the review of Sheltered Housing began in 2018, and we understand why there may be frustration that more visible changes or efficiencies haven’t been implemented sooner.

Over the past several years, the Council has been actively gathering data, reviewing service models, and exploring options to improve the financial sustainability of Sheltered Housing. However, several key challenges have made this process more complex than anticipated:

• Rising Costs: Since the review began, the cost of materials, labour, and capital upgrades has increased significantly—particularly in the wake of the pandemic and inflationary pressures. This has made it more difficult to implement cost-saving measures without compromising service quality.

• Changing Demand: Demand for traditional sheltered housing has declined, and tenant needs have shifted. This has required a rethinking of the service model, rather than simply reducing costs within the existing framework.

• Service Expectations: Sheltered Housing is not designed to generate profit—it is a housing service for older people. While we aim to run it efficiently, the focus is on sustainability and quality of care, not profit-making.

• Legal and Financial Constraints: The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is ring-fenced, meaning it must be self-sustaining and cannot rely on general council funds. This limits the flexibility to absorb rising costs or invest in upgrades without affecting other housing services.

While progress may not have been as visible as some would like, the review has laid the groundwork for a long-term strategy. 

We remain committed to working with tenants and communities to ensure that any changes are made with care, transparency, and a focus on long-term wellbeing.

Why We Follow Legislation and Allocation Policies

As a social landlord, Aberdeenshire Council is legally required to follow national housing legislation and its own Housing Allocation Policy. These rules are in place to ensure that:

• Access to housing is fair, transparent, and based on need.
• Priority is given to those in greatest housing need, such as people experiencing homelessness, overcrowding, or health-related housing issues.
• Resources are used responsibly, especially given the high demand for social housing across the region.

These policies are not designed to exclude people, but to make sure that housing is allocated in a way that is consistent, equitable, and legally compliant.

Why the Waiting List Appears Long

The figure of around 6,000 applicants on the housing list reflects all types of housing needs, not just sheltered accommodation. Many of these applicants are not actively seeking sheltered housing, and some may already be adequately housed but are seeking a transfer.

In reality, some sheltered housing schemes—particularly in rural areas—are experiencing low demand, with properties sitting empty for extended periods. This is why we are currently reviewing how we promote and manage these schemes.

We do advertise Sheltered Housing scheme on the Choice Based Lettings (CBL) portal.

If no bids are received via the CBL process applicants are contacted based on their assessed need with their application and offered low demand properties, in addition these are advertised locally via posters and local community councils often assist.

If the decision is taken to close the building, the housing service will need to be transparent with any future proposed use, should the property be sold or repurposed it has to have a benefit to the Housing Revenue Account and to tenants. No future use has been identified for any scheme proposed to close. The housing service have not had any discussions with the Home Office about future use of any Sheltered Housing scheme, for asylum seekers/migrants.