Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Cost of Stairlifts set to fall

Article from This is Lancashire website

THE cost of installing stairlifts in Kirklees is set to fall following the negotiation of a new contract by the council's Housing and Health Unit.

It will reduce the cost of fitting single flight stairlifts in disabled people's homes by £145 each.

In 2005-6 the Housing and Health Unit arranged for 141 single flight stairlifts to be installed in the homes of Kirklees residents. The new contract could mean sizeable savings for the council.

At the same time, the maintenance agreement for the stairlifts has been awarded to Kirklees Building Services, leading to an average saving of £87 per stairlift each year on the present cost.

Clr Khizar Iqbal, who has housing responsibility on the Kirklees Council Cabinet, said: "Stairlifts help disabled people to retain their independence. It's good news that we can provide the same quality of service and save money."