Care and repair work backed

Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and health committee unanimously endorsed changes to its housing care and repair services.

The service provides major adaptations and small repairs to private sector housing for disabled and elderly people.

Previously, these were carried out by two separate housing associations, but last year the contract was awarded to Caledonian Housing Association.

On Wednesday, committee members were updated on the developments the recentlyappointed housing association were planning, which include installing modular ramps for disabled people.

It was said these would bring a number of benefits, such as reducing hospital discharge times, but can also be easily removed and recycled when they are no longer needed.

Other considerations discussed covered providing level access showers for those over the age of 80 years and installing hard-wired smoke detectors.

Cllr Peter Barrett welcomed the endorsements and said: “It is very encouraging to see improvement in the efficiency of repair schemes, which is commendable.”

Anyone looking for referral to the care and repair service can contact the council’s early intervention and prevention team on 0345 30 111 20 or Caledonian Care on 01738 474810.