A service that provides practical support to help older and vulnerable people to live independently in their own homes is being axed. 

The Derbyshire Handy Van service currently operates a fleet of eight vans and has a dedicated team of staff who can carry out small DIY tasks, fire safety checks, install smoke alarms and offer falls prevention advice. 

But it's been revealed that the free service, which sees residents only having to pay for materials, will end next month.  

The move has been criticised by Whaley Bridge County Councillor Ruth George, who says she is appalled by the decision by Derbyshire County Council. 

She commented: “This brilliant service will be finishing at the end of March - with no consultation, no democratic decisions, and no information until the last minute - even to the hand-working staff who’ve gone above and beyond, working through the pandemic to help people who couldn’t get help any other way. 

“The Handy Van service has been a lifeline - helping elderly people with minor repairs at home, putting up handrails, installing alarms - all for free.   

“Helping people stay safe at home, return home from hospital and preventing falls and accidents.  Giving people a better quality of life and saving our over-stretched care services even more work.   

Cllr George said had there been any democratic process to the decision she would have been fighting it but there wasn’t. 

“The decision has been made behind closed doors, hoping the vulnerable people who need it won’t complain too loudly,” she said.   

A spokesperson for DCC said supporting residents to live independent, fulfilled lives is a priority and the authority is always looking at ways it can do this more effectively. 

A statement said: “Since 2016, the Handy Van scheme has run as a partnership between the county council and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS). As part of this joint working, DFRS supports and maintains the fleet of eight Handy Vans. 

“We have reviewed the scheme and as the vans are now at the end of their lifespan and would need a lot of investment to replace, both partners have agreed they can no longer support the scheme in its current form. 

“DFRS has found other ways of delivering its home fire safety checks which were part of the scheme and we’re also looking at new and better ways of delivering services to ensure we continue to support those who need our help most. 

“We will continue to work with our partners to support Derbyshire’s most vulnerable residents and by spending every penny wisely we will ensure we can continue to provide essential, high-quality services for the people of Derbyshire.” 

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