STAUNCH opposition has been voiced to proposals to axe funding for “vital” home improvement services.

Lancashire County Council is proposing to stop funding the scheme, which in Hyndburn funds for the Homewise service, supporting independent living for older people, people living with physical disabilities and people living with long-term health conditions.

Hyndburn Council’s cabinet has formally opposed the proposals and members are urging the county council not to go through with the cut.

Cllr Clare Cleary, housing executive member, said: "The withdrawal of the Homewise home improvement service will have a significant impact on many vulnerable households across the borough, especially elderly and disabled households.

"The council wants to express its strongest objection. This is a county council run service and therefore Hyndburn Council is not in a position to propose alternative options other than oppose the proposed withdrawal of the service."

Cllr Tony Dobson, Tory group leader, said: “We have made it quite clear to our colleagues at County Hall we think this proposal is short-sighted. I have spoken to Geoff Driver and I am hoping he will find the £77million of savings he needs without doing anything to the home improvement service.

“I know he has dropped other proposals like on-street parking charges so I am hopeful this will also not go through.”

Hyndburn Council's response to the consultation reads: "The removal of funding for the home improvement service will put ‘at risk’ the future viability and sustainability of Homewise (Hyndburn’s home improvement agency) and other HIAs.

"The county council funding funds the core ‘handyperson’ service and if this is removed it compromises the remainder of the service delivery that Homewise provides as all services are interlinked.

"Whilst recognising the need for the county council to prioritise funding and make savings, ceasing funding of the home improvement service is not the best way to do this.

"The HIS through Homewise delivers a true preventative service for Hyndburn residents specifically by keeping the service user in their own homes and reducing the pressure on health and social care services.

"Withdrawal of these services will have significant housing, health and social care implications and cost LCC and partners more in health and social care in the long term through increased need for residential care and hospital admissions.

"Supporting independent living is identified as one of six key actions in the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing strategy. The funding and delivery of the HIS goes a long way to assist in achieving this objective."

The consultation runs until April 15.