Nottingham City Council is proposing to invest £3.1 million in specialist home adaptations that will help hundreds of council tenants with disabilities and long-term health conditions live safely and independently in their homes.
The proposed investment, funded through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), will support the continued provision of equipment such as stairlifts, through-floor lifts, step lifts and hoists.
The equipment plays a vital role in helping people with assessed mobility needs remain in their own homes, maintain their independence and avoid the need for more intensive health and social care support. The Council has statutory responsibilities to provide such adaptations under a range of legislation, including the Care Act 2014, the Housing Act 1985 and the Equality Act 2010.
The plans will be considered by the Council’s Executive Board on 22 September and, if approved, will provide a four-year framework to ensure residents can continue to access essential adaptations when they need them.
Councillor Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: “Every resident deserves a home that’s safe, accessible and supports their independence. These adaptations can be life-changing, helping people remain in the homes and communities they love while maintaining their dignity and quality of life.
“This investment will help ensure that council tenants who need specialist equipment can continue to receive the support they need.”
There are currently around 874 council homes (around 3.3% of the city’s council housing stock) in Nottingham with specialist lifting equipment installed, including 722 stairlifts, 97 hoists, 53 through-floor lifts and 12 step lifts.
The investment supports the Council’s wider ambitions to help people live independently for longer and reduce barriers that can prevent residents from leading healthy and fulfilling lives.