York Home Improvement Agency wins National Award

12.00.00am GMT Thu 10th Nov 2005

Cllr Sue Sunderland (City of York Council Executive Member for Housing) is delighted at the news that the new York Home Improvement Agency (HIA) has won a national award.

The York HIA was given the 'Best Newcomer Award' by Foundations, the National Co-ordinating Body for Home Improvement Agencies. The judging panel was made up of representatives from the Department of Health, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foundations itself.

The service is partly funded by the City of York Council, and run by Yorkshire Housing Foundation in conjunction with Age Concern. Selby and York Primary Care Trust and the Energy Efficiency Centre are also involved. The HIA provides a confidential service giving advice and assistance to older home owners, private tenants and people with disabilities to carry out repairs, improvements and adaptations to their homes. The agency also helps with grant applications, and accessing other methods of finance.

The Foundations report states that "Launched as recently as October 2004, York HIA has already established itself as a well managed, high quality service. Evidence was presented in a clear and comprehensive manner within the entry. A particularly strong rating in a Foundations Quality Mark validation carried out in May this year served to confirm the high standard attained by this newcomer."

Cllr Sunderland said "This service is vital for people in York. Being able to upgrade and improve their own home is really important, and the HIA has made a huge difference to the housing choices available to York residents. As Liberal Democrats we are committed to supporting people to stay in their own homes, and believe that no-one should be forced to move simply for want of advice on renovations."

"It is a great testament to the staff at the agency that only one year since the service was set up, it has already received praise from the national body."

"I hope that more people will contact the HIA and ask for help. If elderly or disabled residents would like to improve or modify their home, they should call 754438 for advice. The HIA will help to investigate the options,, and assist residents to find the capital required to make changes."

NOTES

York HIA works directly with vulnerable and disabled people, either living in their own home or as private sector tenants, who are affected by poor or inadequate housing. The service helps to improve quality of life and health by supporting customers in addressing their housing needs, and help people who wish to remain in their own home. The support includes assistance to assess the condition, repair, maintenance and adaptation needs of homes, and the means to meet these needs.

York HIA also supports customers in accessing funds to complete any necessary work, including options on equity release, accessing grants or loans, and ensuring customers can access independent financial advice. The HIA can also arrange for quotations for any work from a list of accredited tradesmen.