Houseproud reminder to residents

5.40.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 5th Apr 2008

• A REMINDER has been issued to older and disabled residents wishing to make home improvements that help is available through Richmond Council's Houseproud Scheme.

The call comes on the eve of National Houseproud Week, running from 14-20, April, which sees a nationwide drive to raise awareness of the service. The scheme, run in partnership with The Home Improvement Trust and available to homeowners aged 60 or over and those receiving disability benefits, offers a safe, easy way to have repairs or improvements carried out. The Council arranges for a Houseproud Officer to visit you to assess what work needs doing and how much it's likely to cost, as well as providing advice on how to pay. A variety of loans are available ranging from £3,000 up to 30% of the current value of your property. They will also arrange for a suitable builder to undertake the work and an inspector to ensure the completed work is to standard.

Cllr Denise Carr, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "It is vital that older and disabled residents wishing to live independently in the borough can do so safely. We have adopted the Houseproud Scheme to achieve this. Whether it is fixing a roof, refitting a kitchen, improving your home's energy efficiency or making adaptations for disabled residents we are able to supply expert advice and reliable professionals to carry out the work. There are a number of loans available that can be tailored to individual circumstances, for those needing help paying for any work."