Wolverhampton City Council's handyman service spared from cuts

Wolverhampton City Council 's grant to fund the service for home improvements runs out at the end of March and is not being renewed.

But despite £123 million worth of cuts, resulting in 2,000 job losses across the council's services, the authority has now said it will find a way to keep it going. The cuts come amid a loss of funding for pensioners' keep fit and yoga classes and the end of a quarterly newsletter. Collectively the cuts in 'preventative services' will save £140,000.

The Handy Person service, which is run by Wolverhampton City Council and its housing company Wolverhampton Homes, is offered to residents aged over 60 and registered disabled or in receipt of income related benefits.

It offers these vulnerable residents in private houses the chance to get essential small repairs carried out free of charge. An initial pilot scheme was due to end in March, but today it was revealed funding had been found within another council pot to let it carry on.

Draft-proofing and furniture moving services are included within the scheme, which also includes the installation of stair rails and work to secure loose cables, floorboards and carpets, small plumbing jobs and security improvements.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's deputy leader, said: "With the current economic climate and the announcement of the severe cuts we are having to make, people are understandably concerned about the future of services such as these.

"But we can reassure residents that this scheme is not ending in March and they will continue to benefit from the service." Enquires about a council handyman can be made by calling 01902 551155.