THE borough's home adaptations service has scooped a top award for its streamlined access to grants for people living with disabilities.

Cheshire East Council's service won the 'Home Adaptations Service of the Year' award at a ceremony at the House of Lords, gaining praise for its 'innovative work' in prevention and early intervention.

The annual Home Improvement Agency awards are organised by Foundations, a national body funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Cheshire East Council has streamlined the way it delivers disabled facilities grants by cutting red tape, admissions to hospital and residential care.

The council recently increased the ceiling for grants from £30,000 to £50,000, enabling people to invest in adaptations more suited to their disabled needs. It also made it easier for residents to obtain loans for carers and the extended family of disabled children, as well as moving to a more suitable property where circumstances make this a more sensible option.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “I am delighted that our success in this very important sector of council work has been recognised at national level.

“CEC has a core policy to promote long and healthy lives and to enable people to live independently and safely in their own homes.

“Relieving the pressure on health services and social care is a crucial role for this council and it is rewarding for the staff involved to see their work recognised with this award.”

Home improvement and handyperson service providers are local organisations dedicated to helping older people, the vulnerable and people with disabilities to live in safety and with dignity in their own homes.

Services are focused on ensuring that existing housing is fit for purpose and that vulnerable people, predominantly home owners, are able to continue to live independently for as long as possible.