Changing the way the Council buys home aids and adaptations services

Many older people want to stay living in their own homes as long as possible. Home improvement agencies help people repair, maintain, improve or adapt their homes so that they can live independently and safely. They also help people with disabilities who may need support to make their homes safer and easier to live in.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is working in partnership with Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council to jointly commission home improvement agency services.

The partnership is proposing that a new contract is set up with one provider (or a consortium of providers) to deliver home improvement agency services across all four local authority areas.

The aim is to improve the quality of services that people receive and value for the money that is spent. The new contract may also include independent living centre services which enable disabled people to find out about and test products and equipment that could make their daily lives easier.

This proposal is being consulted on until 28^th December 2011.

There is a local drop-in event between 4-7pm on Thursday 3rd November at the Guildhall in Bath. You can give your views online or find more information at www.citizenspace.com/bristol/neighbourhoods/west-of-england-home-improvement-agency