Cornwall Council is proposing to close its Handyperson Service from 1 April 2025 as part of a review of its Home Solutions Service. This discretionary service, which provides small repairs and adaptations for a nominal fee, costs the Council approximately £170,000 annually and does not break even. Increased demand for statutory services and financial pressures necessitate difficult budgetary decisions, including discontinuing some non-essential services.
If closed, individuals over 60 and those with disabilities would need to seek alternatives such as private handyperson services, voluntary organisations like Age UK, or support from Adult Social Care Technical Officers for specific free services like grab rail installations.
The Council is inviting feedback via a public consultation, open until 12 January 2025, with findings to be reviewed by the Home Solutions Programme Board. Final recommendations will be made to Cornwall Council’s Cabinet in February 2025.
