Swale Borough Council Agrees New Two-year Framework for Staying Put

Swale Borough Council has agreed a new two-year £2 million contractor framework for their in-house home improvement agency that helps elderly, vulnerable and less mobile residents stay in their homes.

Staying Put provides home adaptations and repairs to help elderly and vulnerable residents stay safe and reduce falls in their homes.

The new framework consists of 18 contractors that can carry out the service for the next two years, offering residents peace of mind and a competitive rate.

Staying put also helps residents who qualify apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help pay for any adaptations and repairs they need.

Staying Put services include:

• Home adaptations - repair and install grab rails and key safes, lower door thresholds

• Home repairs - replace glass, fit draught excluders, repair doors and bannisters, and replace curtain rails

• Home safety - replace locks, install spy holes and door chains

• Home security - install smoke detectors, light bulbs and door hinges

Cllr Angela Harrison, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at the council, said:

“We’ve seen first hand how this service can make a difference to people’s lives.

Even making a minor change can give someone the opportunity to remain in their home instead of needing to stay in a hospital or other care facility.

We carried out more than 1,000 jobs last year, including the installation of grab rails, flush showers and accessible ramps.

We encourage anybody who would like advice or help to make changes in their home to get in touch and speak to our Staying Put team.”

Cllr Ben Martin, cabinet member for housing at the council, said:

“Staying Put is a fantastic service and we’re pleased to commit to helping residents for another two years.

It’s an important service that helps elderly, vulnerable and less mobile people stay in their homes with the necessary modifications.

Not only do we recommend suitable contractors at competitive prices, we also help people apply for funding and give advice on how they can modify their home to make it safer for them.

Falls can be dangerous, so we want to support vulnerable residents reduce the risk of hospitalisation by installing safety measures, home adaptations and general repairs.”

The new contractor framework will come into effect in April.

The full report can be read here

For more information about the Staying Put service visit www.swale.gov.uk/staying-put

Swale Borough Council

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