A call has been made to scrutinise the potential shake-up of Angus Council-run sheltered housing.
The decision on whether wardens known as tenancy support officers (TSOs) will be retained as part of radical reforms is due at a meeting of Angus Council next week.
A band of residents and their families have presented a 2,000-name petition to Angus Council, backing the retention of services.
This petition was noted by councillors on the scrutiny and audit committee, which heard an amendment to review “how we got here” from a non-administration councillor.
Councillor Mark Salmond asked whether a review could begin before the outcome, and said he had been given legal advice that this was the best way to proceed.
But other councillors said this would constitute a “chicken and egg” situation ahead of the meeting on Thursday.
“My view is I would like to have a review about how we got to where we are,” Mr Salmond said.
Councillor Rob Murray seconded the report noting the petition, but recommended deferring a decision on any action until the next scrutiny and audit committee.
He said: “In a way I have no great problems with the amendment but I think we’re pre-deciding a decision of the council, which it hasn’t already made.
“What we’re actually saying is to conduct a scrutiny review without the decision.
“This may come to be superfluous.”
New self-directed support legislation means the council must give people more choice and control over what support they receive.
A previous meeting of the full Angus Council in Forfar heard a motion to tell residents that shared lounges, restrooms and laundry services will be retained following a consultation with tenants.
A remaining proposal, which has motivated some residents, is for warden services to be offered by a third party such as Voluntary Action Angus.
Council leader Iain Gaul has reinforced the message that no decisions have been taken as the authority carries out a broad review of care and support services, and pledged that the views of residents will be taken into account.
But existing TSOs, the majority of whom are over 50, have told The Courier their morale is at “rock bottom”.