Care and Repair Service available across the Borders
Tuesday, February 13 2007
he Executive at Scottish Borders Council agreed, today (Tuesday 13 February 2007), to roll out a Care and Repair Service across the Borders in 2007/08.
The Service will be provided in collaboration with Eildon Enterprise and is funded via the Private Sector Housing Grant (PHSG) allocation from Communities Scotland.
The Care and Repair service is a key approach to enable older people and people with disabilities to remain living independently at home. This applies to properties in the owner occupied and private rented sectors. A pilot project was launched in the Council’s Eildon Area in February 2005 and reviewed after 18 months. The project has helped to supply ramps, level access showers and carrying out major repairs such as re-roofing, rewiring or installation of a damp-proof course.
In the first year of operation the service completed 50 Comprehensive Property Improvements (against a target of 5), and 1582 jobs (against a target of 600) in relation to Small Repairs and Handyperson Repairs.
Comprehensive Property Improvements could include re-wiring, installation of internal bathroom [where none existed previously], overhauling of a roof , installing damp proof course, re-rendering/re-roughcast external walls, overhaul/replace gutters and downpipes.
Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council said “These repairs were made possible by an increase in funding and are exceptional results. The Service User satisfaction results are extremely high and show that there is a clear need for the service in the Scottish Borders.
As an integral part to the mainstream Care and Repair Service, we are committed to delivering a Handyperson Service to older people and people with disabilities including eligible Registered Social Landlord (RSL) tenants. This will be the first element of the service to go live, and we envisage that the Handyperson Service will be available in all areas of the Borders by April 2007.
Staff will be recruited and trained and will be based in Selkirk, whilst being mobile to attend jobs throughout the Borders.”
Council Officers are currently in discussion with Eildon Enterprise staff to develop plans for the roll out of the Service, with involvement from Communities Scotland. Peter Lee, Chief Executive of Eildon Enterprise said “We are delighted that Scottish Borders Council has agreed to roll out the Care and Repair Service across the whole of the Borders. The pilot programme in central Borders has surpassed all its targets and helped over 1500 older people and people with disabilities to have improvements made to their homes, giving them added confidence as they become older or their disabilities make independent living more difficult. This news will enable us to extend the service to all eligible older and disabled persons living in the Borders starting in April”.
The roll out will include the recruitment of staff by Eildon Enterprise and the secondment of an occupational therapist from SBC as well as the purchase and equipping of three new vans.
Councillor Riddell-Carre, Portfolio Holder for Social Work said “Care and Repair is a system for people who own their own house, or who live in a privately rented one, to get repairs and adaptations carried out. It can make a huge difference to an elderly person who may need a stair lift for example. This service can make the essential difference which lets someone remain in their own home.”
Richard Davies, Head of Service – Housing and Social Work Strategy at Scottish Borders Council said “This is a proactive Border-wide development that will make it possible for more older people and people with disabilities to retain their independence at home.”
For further information or to book a talk contact Tom Small, Care and Repair Co-ordinator on 01750 724896 or email enquiries@borderscareandrepair.org.uk or look at the website on www.borderscareandrepair.org.uk.
Unified Solutions.