Successful home support partnership extended

In 2017, Harborough District Council joined the innovative Lightbulb Programme, run by Blaby District Council alongside Leicestershire County Council, district councils, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG's) and the Leicestershire Partnership Trust, and since then it has provided grants,  or other support, to help more than 300 people in Harborough district remain independent in their own homes.

Following the success of the initiative, Harborough District Council’s Executive agreed, on 11 February 2019, to extend the Council’s partnership with the Lightbulb Programme for a further five years.

One of the key components of the Lightbulb Programme is a housing ‘MoT’ which identifies immediate concerns in the home. These can include ways to reduce the risk of falling, such as ramps or room alterations, and tackling problems such as poor heating and hoarding.

The partnership aims to make the process for housing adaptations and advice much easier for those who need help quickly, with fewer people involved in each case and a vast reduction in delivery cost. It can also help reduce hospital admissions.

Cllr Janette Ackerley, who has responsibility for the disabled facilities grants at Harborough District Council said: “Being involved with this innovative programme has meant we’ve been able to help a huge number of people in the Harborough district remain at home for as long as possible. We’ve seen an increase in demand for disabled facilities grants so I am very pleased we are able to continue to offer support, through this partnership, to those who need it.” 

In 2018, the Lightbulb Programme won a Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Award in the Public/Public Partnership category.

Find out more about the Lightbulb project by emailing lightbulb@blaby.gov.uk or calling 0116 272 7665.