Blaby District residents will continue to benefit from a successful Leicestershire-wide partnership, which helps people remain independent in their own homes, for a further three years.
Lightbulb is a centralised, integrated housing support service. It is hosted by Blaby District Council, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, district councils, the county’s Clinical Commissioning Groups, Leicestershire Partnership Trust, and University Hospitals of Leicester.
During its first year, Lightbulb reduced waiting times for minor housing adaptations and been able to deal with the casework inherited by the service when it was first rolled out across the county.
Since full launch in October 2017, Lightbulb’s work has helped over 4,000 people across the county. The collaborative working has led to a reduction in waiting times and the reduction in stages, with requests for a level access shower now resolved in 13 stages, as opposed to 27 previously.
96% of service users answered yes to the question: “Has the service achieved everything you wanted.”
It has saved an estimated £360,000 for the local economy, with medium to long-term savings estimated at around £2.1 million.
Councillors from all other district councils have agreed to extend the service for the next three years. Blaby District’s Full Council meeting has also agreed to the Council continuing to host the partnership at its Narborough offices.
Councillor Lee Breckon, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “We are delighted to continue to host this award-winning and innovative partnership. The dedicated team have made Lightbulb the success it is, and their work has made such a positive difference to the lives of people across Leicestershire.
“The service will continue to improve over the coming years, ensuring that the service is accessible for anyone who needs it, and helps to make vital savings for the local health economy.”
The pioneering Lightbulb project has been recognised with three awards, named ‘Best Collaborative Working Initiative’ by the Association for Public Service Excellence and Commended at the Home Improvement Agency Awards. It was also named best Public/Public Partnership at the 2018 Local Government Chronicle Awards.
Any residents requiring minor or major adaptations can contact Lightbulb by calling 0116 305 0004 or visitwww.leics.gov.uk.