A government-backed initiative called Houseproud, which helps disabled and older homeowners improve their living environments, has been launched by the Home Improvement Trust (HIT), a not-for-profit organisation.

The scheme tackles the two traditional hurdles, identified by HIT, that these homeowners face when home improvements are required – available cash, even if they have a valuable property, and reliable tradespeople.

Run in partnership with local councils, Houseproud provides a wide-ranging service to older and disabled homeowners which is delivered locally, with case workers from local authorities or local Home Improvement Agencies providing a single, consistent point of contact for clients. It is available to all homeowners aged 60 and over, as well as any household with a disabled person living there.

The service includes giving practical help and advice on repairs, improvements and adaptations, sourcing of reliable tradespeople, checking work on completion, and providing information on funding options such as no risk equity release loans. England and Wales have some of the highest house prices in the world, but many older and disabled homeowners have a real need to repair, improve or adapt their living space, especially when ill-health and disability become an issue, or lack of modernisation contributes to ill-health.

Adaptations such as the installation of a stair-lift, a downstairs bathroom, or central heating can radically improve quality of life. HIT research has shown that 56 per cent of pensioner couples have lived in their present home for between 31 and 50 years, and that older and disabled people want to remain living in their own home as long as possible.

Houseproud aims to facilitate this by helping clients achieve a good living environment, minimising the risk of contact with cowboy builders, and putting them in touch with regulated high street lenders who provide a no repossession clause secured on the equity of the property.

The scheme is also available to homeowners who do not need a loan to finance their improvement work but who need the personal support and reassurance offered by the scheme’s access to technical advice and reliable tradespeople.

For further information on Houseproud, homeowners can call Freephone 0800 783 7569. Or log onto www.homeimprovementtrust.fsbusiness.co.uk