People in vulnerable households could claim free help to stay safe in their homes through a new partnership in Dartford, led by UK Power Networks.
The electricity network operator has teamed up with Dartford Borough Council and Thames Water to raise awareness of free services available to people in vulnerable situations due to disabilities, age, illness and other circumstances.
UK Power Networks has written to 2,400 Dartford residents on the company’s free, confidential Priority Services Register, to check for updates and raise awareness about other free benefits they could be eligible to receive from their local council and water company.
Dartford Borough Council offers several types of financial assistance to home owners and tenants under its current Disabled Facility Grant Policy and Discretionary Housing Assistance Policy to help residents live independently and safely at home. For example, the council offers financial assistance with repairs, improvements, energy efficiency and disabled adaptations in the home. Their recent work has helped to reduce falls by people getting in and out of baths, help people get up and down stairs and help them heat their home.
A Dartford Borough Council spokesperson said: “It is great to work in partnership with UK Power Networks to promote the Priority Services Register, free additional support for Dartford borough residents who may be in vulnerable circumstances during a power cut or water supply interruption. I would encourage all eligible residents in the borough to sign up for this support.”
Kerry Potter, priority services manager, said: “We actively look for local services that might benefit residents on our Priority Services Register. One of the biggest barriers to getting support is not knowing about it. This partnership enables us to share the information with those who may need the help. By working in partnership we can make sure people are safer and more comfortable in their home, which can improve their quality of life and make them feel cared for.”
UK Power Networks keeps the lights on across Dartford and has a Priority Services Register to provide free additional help, support and advice during a power cut to pensioners, families with young children and people with special needs, disabilities or health conditions. To apply visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, ring 0800 169 9970, or email psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk.
Additional help from UK Power Networks’ partners:
- Dartford Borough Council’s Disabled Facility Grant Policy and Discretionary Housing Assistance Policy, contact private sector housing team, 01322 343152 housinggrants@dartford.gov.uk
- Thames Water, join their Priority Services Register, call 0800 009 3652 or email ecs@thameswater.co.uk