Government cash for elderly folk

The borough’s vulnerable, disabled and older residents will reap the benefits of a double cash injection to be received by Rochdale Borough Council.

The council’s Home Improvement Agency has been awarded funding to tackle the overcrowding and under occupation of homes in the borough as well as some extra money to expand its ‘Handyperson Scheme’ which can help carry out a wide range of minor household repairs.

The money received for both projects will mean improved services for residents.

The council will be working closely with partners Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), and Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) to address the problems of overcrowding and under occupation.

Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee, cabinet member for housing, Rochdale Borough Council is pleased these important issues are receiving funding and feels some dedicated work can now begin into tackling them.

She said;“Overcrowding is perhaps a little known problem but it can cause real difficulties and distress to families and households in this situation. I’m so pleased the issue has been recognised and we can now offer some dedicated help and support to residents facing this problem.”

The council’s ‘Handyperson Scheme’ has also received extra funding.

The scheme can help with small-scale works and repairs that older people often struggle to find contractors willing to undertake at a reasonable cost, such as leaking gutters, leaking taps, minor window and door repairs.

The scheme also carries out crime prevention, accident prevention and energy efficiency measures. The extra money means the council can expand and further develop its existing services and develop new systems.

Paul Beardmore, Head of Strategic Housing at Rochdale Borough Council is delighted with this cash boost.

He said:“Helping residents to remain living in their own homes as independently and for as long as possible are top priorities and so the money we have received for the Handyperson Scheme will go towards providing essential services that will help improve the quality of life for the borough’s most vulnerable people.”