The service provided by Oxford City Council’s Home Improvement Agency (HIA) has won awards in two categories at the National Healthy Housing Awards 2022.
The National Healthy Housing Awards were organised by Foundations, a national body overseeing a network of more than 200 home improvement agencies and handyperson providers.
The awards celebrate individuals and services supporting people across the country to live comfortably in their own homes.
The HIA’s contractors Aselford Plumbing and Heating were winners of the Contractor of the Year Award. This recognises contractors who have shown excellent customer service and great workmanship in adapting the homes of disabled people.
Contractors are a key partner in delivering successful adaptation schemes, often spending more time in the home than all other professionals combined.
In what judges called “a very closely scored category”, the HIA was also awarded a commendation of excellence for Sustainability in Home Adaptations.
This recognises excellent practice in integrating a response to climate change in the delivery of disability adaptations and the judges said that HIA was doing “brilliant work that deserved to be celebrated.”
The awards ceremony took place on 6 December at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
Advice and support from the Home Improvement Agency
Factors like old age, disability, a health condition or fuel poverty can put people in poor housing conditions at risk. Support from the HIA can help them live safely and independently in their own homes.
The HIA can help with adaptions to a home and general household repairs, minor electrical and plumbing works, energy efficiency measures and home safety and security.
Grants or loans may be available to undertake any necessary work.
Oxford HIA is part funded by Oxfordshire County Council and the NHS Better Care Fund. The county council recently agreed to renew its contract for HIA services for three years from 1 April 2022.
To discuss the support the HIA may be able to offer call 01865 252788 or visit the Home Improvement Agency webpages.
Comment
“Our Home Improvement Agency carries out invaluable work in helping people to live independently, safely and comfortably in their own homes. I’m thrilled to see the team get recognition for this work in two categories at the National Healthy Housing Awards 2022.”
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing
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