Housing Minister Grant Shapps has released £51 million to help older people sustain their housing, with a particular focus on those leaving hospital.
The extra cash will provide a boost to Home Improvement Agencies who will help with:
- housing advice
- handyperson services
- energy efficiency
- adaptations and home repairs.
Shapps is keen to ensure that vulnerable people can live safely and independently in their homes, and he wants councils to consider the needs of ageing residents in local housing plans to ensure their homes are fit for purpose.
The Minister has allocated £1.5 million to FirstStop – which helps older people to plan their future housing needs – and an extra £20 million for Disabled
Facilities Grants.