Aberdeenshire North and Moray East MP Seamus Logan has met with residents of Forbes Court Sheltered Housing complex in New Pitsligo to discuss their concerns at Aberdeenshire Council’s review of sheltered housing provision. The meeting was also attended by Central Buchan councillor Geoff Crowson.
Speaking after meeting the residents, Seamus Logan MP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with the residents of Forbes Court in New Pitsligo along with local councillor Geoff Crowson. I have no hesitation in saying Aberdeenshire Council has handled this matter very badly and has created a lot of worry and anxiety among sheltered housing tenants across the North-east in the process.
“Clearly, the council should review any and all of its operations from time to time to ensure the council taxpayer is getting value for money, but sheltered housing is a valued and important service and reducing provision by mass closures is not the answer.
“In terms of process, the residents enjoy a Scottish Secure Tenancy which effectively means that they cannot be compelled to move should they not wish to without the council as landlord obtaining a court order. If tenants do not wish to move I don’t believe they can be forced out and I say to Aberdeenshire Council they would be extremely ill-advised to seek court orders to evict elderly people from their homes.
“I will continue to support my constituents who are concerned at the council’s actions.”
