Thurrock Well Homes scheme "saving £1.5 million to public services"

Thurrock Well Homes was a pilot scheme launched two years ago to ensure basic security is in place, a house has good insulation and health hazards are minimised.

Over 2,600 residents and 950 private and privately rented homes have been assessed so far, the council said.

A spokesman said: “The cost to date is £225,000, yet it is estimated that the work carried out will save health and other public services over £1.5 million.

“The savings will be made through improved heating systems, electrical wiring, windows, doors and staircases, as well as security measures such as security lights and locks.”

Council Leader Councillor Rob Gledhill, Portfolio Holder for Housing, welcomed the project’s progress by saying: “Thurrock Well Homes carries out important work by helping residents in the borough and improving the quality of private homes and provide net savings to the public purse.

“We ask all clients whether they were satisfied with the service and I’m proud to say 100 per cent replied that they feel healthier and safer in their homes.

“We want residents to refer family members, friends and neighbours to us if the service can help them.”

The council are looking at how Well Homes improves private homes and using it as the benchmark for all council-owned properties across the borough.

Councillor Gledhill continued: “Many of the project ideals are being rolled-out in how we maintain council properties across in Thurrock. Poor insulation and safety hazards occur in all homes and we are using Well Homes as the model for delivering improvements to other housing in the borough.”

The Well Homes project is delivered in partnership with Public Health and involves cross departmental working between council departments as well as external agencies like Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Family Mosaic and Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions.

To find out more about the council's Well Homes project, go to thurrock.gov.uk/wellhomes