Council's housing team help change the life of vulnerable resident in deteriorating house

The recent cold snap has highlighted the threat to life risk excess cold can have on vulnerable people, particularly those aged over 65.

One resident who was extremely vulnerable, living alone in a deteriorating, unfit house that posed a risk to their life, is now better prepared this winter thanks to the hard work and care shown by the council's housing officers.

One of the teams within the housing department is private sector housing where a part of their role is to ensure that the condition of homes across the district are kept under review and where necessary, bring sub-par properties up to standard for both homeowners and the private rented sector.

Boston Borough Council became aware of a property through Lincolnshire Wellbeing who reported the occupant had a deficient heating system.

The house they had lived in for decades was practically a shell following deterioration and was lacking in all basic amenities. The environment was causing suffering and hardship to the homeowner, particularly their mental and physical health.

The occupant was initially reluctant to engage with council officers due to their feelings of embarrassment and reluctance to accept they needed help after living this way for years.

A council housing officer visited to obtain authorisation to help facilitate the occupier with a heating grant. A week later the officer took the initiative to organise temporary heating as the weather had turned drastically cold.

Additional concerns were reported by the officers, including damp and mould growth, excess cold, a risk of entry by intruders, domestic hygiene, pests and food safety.

Due to the risks, the officers established there was an imminent risk to life and urgent action was put in place, enforced under Section 40 of the Housing Act 2004.

Just two days later, a water supply was established, various electrical hazards were repaired and smoke detectors were installed.

Whilst works were being arranged to help the long-term issues with the property, other measures were being put in place to help the resident. A referral was made to Adult Social Services in relation to the vulnerability of the occupant and to request additional support.

The work saw all 12 category 1 hazards -  hazards which pose a serious and immediate risk to a person's health and safety - abated from the property.

These included excess cold, entry by intruders, electrical hazards, mould growth, pests and falls associated with stairs and steps.

Officers saw a huge change in the wellbeing and happiness of the occupant during a reinspection.

The occupant, who had gone undiscovered for so many years, cracked jokes with the officers, displayed a sense of pride and led the tour of what was now a decent and safe home - their home.

The occupant said: "Everybody was so helpful. I was completely without heating and now I am not.

"The house is a lot warmer and tidier. Jobs are easier because of my health condition. I am much more happier inside my own home.

"To anyone unaware of the support the council can provide, don't be frightened. Go ahead and get the work done. Thank you all very much."

The housing team worked with several partner's including Age UK, Lincolnshire Wellbeing, the Royal British Legion, Lincs for Warmer Homes, Rolec, Prince Build, Calor, Bates Environmental, and the operations and neighbourhood teams at Boston Borough Council.

Cllr Martin Griggs, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities said: "This is a great example of how council officers went above and beyond to help an extremely vulnerable and lonely person who was living in a dangerous home for years.

"Through gentle persuasion, officers were able to gain the occupant's trust and the changes have been truly lifechanging for them. They are now happier and proud once again of their home.

"Anyone who knows of people living in unfit conditions, particularly with the colder months still ahead of us, should contact the council's housing team for advice and support."

By assisting members of the public like in this case, the council is able to adapt new methods of working practices and establish stronger network links with partner organisations, helping the council better serve the public.

The council's Small Works Loan Scheme for Vulnerable Households is designed to assist the removal of Category 1 hazards from the homes of vulnerable households who do not have the resources to pay for urgent remedial works themselves.

It helps vulnerable homeowners or tenants who have lived in the property for at least three years who meet certain criteria relating to their income and savings.

Homes are subject to inspection by Boston Borough Council to identify and assess and Category 1 hazards.

If you require assistance as a homeowner and do not know where to look, or you would like advice on how to maintain and improve your home, visit our Older People webpage.