Services funded by the Council for practical services to support elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people and enable them to live safely, warmly, and securely in their own homes will be provided by a different organisation later this year.
West of England Care and Repair will provide Home Improvement Agency services to around 2,000 customers per year following a bid process that was carried out jointly between the Council and its local authority neighbours. They will provide information and advice on housing related issues, deliver minor repairs through a handy van service, and support those requiring both minor and major adaptations to their homes.
There are significant benefits of this contract for Care and Repair customers and the local taxpayer.
- Services will be provided more efficiently meaning that the Council can address the challenge of increased demand due to a more elderly population whilst upholding existing service quality with the funded it has available.
- As a not-for-profit service, any financial surpluses generated will be re-invested into additional services for customers;
- Improvements in support for people living in rural areas through a rural champions scheme;
- Funding is allocated for a co-ordinator to organise volunteers to give support for elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people.
Councillor Simon Allen (Lib-Dem, Radstock), Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said, “Over the coming years, Bath & North East Somerset Council anticipates an increase in the numbers of older people living in our area. The demands on Care and Repair services are likely to increase, especially given the results of the 2011 census that indicate a 23% rise in the over-85s in our area in recent years. Our contract with West of England Care and Repair will not only preserve the existing standards of service, but also ensure added benefits for customers, such as better support for rural areas. Our ultimate aim is to ensure that people most in need are supported to live full, active lives.”
Craig Wilson CEO of West of England Care & Repair, added “I am really pleased that we have been awarded the contract to provide support to older and disabled people of all ages. It’s great to see that our local authorities support older people in their desire to remain independent and living in their own homes.”
The Council are working with Somerset Care and Repair, the current Home Improvement Agency providers, and West of England Care and Repair, the new providers, to achieve a smooth transition with minimal disruption and inconvenience for existing customers.