Some households can benefit from a handy person service. It helps elderly or vulnerable people carry out very simple but essential work at their homes.
It is free except for the cost of materials. You will have to pay for materials like hand-rails, grab rails, key safes or light bulbs - unless materials have been supplied by a partner agency (as in the case of some security items).
This scheme applies to all residents, whether you rent privately, own your home or are a Social Housing Resident.
If you are a Social Housing tenant, or renting privately, and request jobs that are your landlord's responsibility, you will be redirected to contact your landlord
Eligible households can use the service up to six times a year.
We don't provide an emergency service.
Check eligibility and the types of work listed below before making a request.
Who we can help
People who:
- are unable to undertake the task themselves
- have no other person available to help them
- live in Westmorland and Furness Council area
You must be aged 65 and over or be:
- disabled
- vulnerable
- recently discharged from hospital
- at high risk of falling due to a medical condition
- potential victims of crime referred by the police
Work can the handy person can do
The work includes:
- fitting of minor security measures such as spy-holes, door and window locks and security lighting
- fitting key safes, door bells or telephone extension leads
- changing light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
- fitting plugs/fuses or fixing down/making safe trailing or loose wires
- putting up curtain rails, curtains or blinds. The customer should provide the rail
- installing internal and external grab rails
- erecting shelves or affixing coat hooks
- fixing down or trimming loose or hazardous carpets
- replacing toilet seats or sealant around sinks/baths
- unblocking sinks and repairing minor leaks
- replacing tap washers, cistern washers and ball valves or draining/bleeding radiators. Please note that mixer taps are not included
- initial help following hospital discharge (for example, resetting heating controls)
- minor repairs to gates, fences and paths to prevent tripping hazards or to help secure the property
Work is limited to a maximum of three hours on site if one handy person visits, or 1.5 hours if two handy people visit.
Gardening and decorating are not included.
You do not need to be a homeowner to qualify for the handy person scheme but you may need permission for some works that would not normally be the responsibility of the tenant.
Eligible households can request this service up to six times in a 12 month period.
Contact us
Email: housingstandards@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Telephone: 01539 793 161
Address: Housing Standards, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4DQ