Sunderland City CouncilHome Improvement Agency Service

What does it do?The key to independent living for a better future
Most people want to stay in their own homes as they get older and Sunderland's Home Improvement Agency has been created to help people do just that.

Our aim is to: "enable those in need of support to maintain their independence in their chosen home for the foreseeable future.

This will be achieved by supporting people throughout the repair, adaptation or improvement process, so that individuals are able to remain in their own home in a warm, safe and secure environment."

We can assist older and disabled and otherwise vulnerable people living in Sunderland to improve, repair and adapt their property and stay at home in greater comfort.

We will help you through the process of having work carried out from beginning to end.

How can we help you?
Sunderland's Home Improvement Agency provides a service to older people, people of all ages with disabilities and those who are otherwise vulnerable and need help repairing, maintaining or adapting their home.
It provides a single point of access for the following services:
  • Disabled Facilities Grant - Major Adaptation/Structural Alterations
  • Handyperson Service and Minor Alterations Service
  • Energy Efficiency Measures and Advice
  • Housing Assistance

Who it is for:

Older, disabled and otherwise vulnerable people.

Where it is available:

Local service covering: Sunderland (Tyne and Wear).

What it costs:

All of the advice and information that we offer is free.

If you have to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (whether you own your home or you are a tenant) you may be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of any work. Your contribution is calculated on the amount of income you have. Applications for Disabled children are not subject to a test of resources. Depending on the outcome of the assessment the amount of financial assistance offered can vary from 0 to 100%.

A charge of 11% of the cost of works for both major adaptations and housing assistance will be levied for Council services, but this charge will not be payable by you.

Where financial assistance for home improvements has been in the form of a loan, other costs such as loan administration, independent financial advice and legal fees will be incurred however these will be covered by the Council.

The Handyperson Service is a low cost small repairs service funded via a variety of charitable and public sources. This means that the service is subsidised but we do ask people to contribute to the cost of our Handyperson Service. The cost is £5 for a half day of work and £10 for a full day, which is far lower than commercial rates.

The Energy Efficiency Service provides advice to help signpost residents to the relevant grants dependent on availability and qualifying criteria.

Classification(s):

Home maintenance, Adaptations - minor, Adaptations - major, Home improvement agencies, Handyperson / Odd jobs

Info last updated:

02/04/2011.
About the service provider:
Contact info:

Sunderland Home Improvement Agency: Independent Living Centre, Claymere Road, Leechmere Industrial Estate, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR2 9TS. (view on map)

Telephone: 0191 566 1451

http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1928

Parent organisation:Sunderland City Council
Who are they?Changed to HA from Sunderland City Council early 2001. Will move to new offices soon

Provider

Sunderland City Council