Elderly and vulnerable pledged council aid

SELBY Council chiefs have vowed a renewed focus to protect elderly and vulnerable residents – who comprise one in three private sector households across the district – in the face of cuts.

Following a meeting of Selby District Council’s new executive, it announced yesterday that it would be focusing grants on elderly and vulnerable residents to offer emergency support for repairs and maintenance to their houses, despite the severe financial pressures it is under due to a significant reduction in central Government funding.

The council says it will be offering support through a mix of advice and financial assistance to those most in need by reminding owners, landlords and tenants of their legal rights and responsibilities, providing advice on how to access sources of finance, offering help and advice on bringing empty properties back into use for vulnerable households, particularly homeless families, and working to tackle fuel poverty.

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Coun Gillian Ivey, the new deputy leader of the council, said, “This demonstrates our commitment to continuing to support those in our communities who are the most in need.

“Many homeowners, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, may need support to keep their homes in good repair.

“Across our district almost one in three private sector households are elderly, disabled or frail and they need adaptations to their homes to help them retain their independence and live safely

“We will encourage and support owners to make use of all the available funding sources to meet these costs and will direct the limited public funds available towards those in our communities who need it the most.”

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The council says it has also developed a landlord accreditation scheme, which provides recognition to landlords to take a responsible approach to letting their properties, and a North Yorkshire Fire Safety standard for residents in the area.

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