NEW guidelines produced by Cheshire East Council will help to support Middlewich residents who chose to live independently.

The authority’s cabinet has agreed to implement a new private sector housing financial assistance policy, which sets out what sort of help the council will offer to older people and people with disabilities to repair and adapt their homes.

The policy is relevant to owner-occupiers and landlords in private sector housing.

Statistics have revealed that 45 per cent of accidents take place in the home and about 10 per cent of all falls in older people result in injury.

The council said it is hoped that improving conditions, such as indoor temperatures and tackling damp, will have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing.

Clr Steve Wilkinson, cabinet support member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “Although there is much new housing in Cheshire East, this is a key opportunity to improve existing homes and also the health and mental wellbeing of our residents.

“I would like to think that we could see a reduction in the number of people going into care because their homes will be better prepared.

“Everyone has the right to a decent home and private sector owners should be responsible for maintaining their own properties.

“However, we do appreciate that some owners, particularly the most vulnerable, do not have the resources to repair or improve their homes – and this is when this council can play an important role in providing assistance.”

More than £1.4m has been approved to implement the policy.

To find out more visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/homerepairs or call 0300 123 5017.