Aberdeen City Council has agreed to seriously consider installing stair lifts in all sheltered housing blocks with upper floors.

This initiative has come about as a result of a notice of motion by Lib Dem councillor Steve Delaney, following concerns raised with him towards the end of last year.

Steve said, “I raised this matter as a result of an unfortunate set of circumstances whereby a resident came home from hospital only to find she could not access her flat on the upper floor because the lift had broken down the day before.

“Whilst I commend the actions of staff from both the Housing team and Bon Accord Care, for their support and prompt action, the matter was eventually resolved with assistance from the Fire Service, which was less than ideal.

“Other residents with limited mobility on the upper floor of the sheltered complex had to miss out on social events in the building as well as medical appointments until the lift was fixed, but this took no less than five days.

“This is not the first time lifts have been out of order in sheltered blocks, but when someone who was newly discharged from hospital could not access the comfort and privacy of their own home it became clear that action was needed.  It is vital that as a responsible, caring local authority we address this matter in respect of the safety, amenity and dignity of our sheltered housing residents”.

Committee agreed unanimously to instruct officers to bring back information on likely costings for this proposal to the budget meeting on 5 March 2019.

Steve said, “I’m grateful for the recognition all councillors gave to this issue. Also their willingness to move the proposal on to the next stage so it can be properly considered as part of next month’s budget proposals”.