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• The Future Home Improvement Agency: Supporting choice and maintaining independence - A report overview

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Summary

This report gives an overview of the key findings of the Future HIA project carried out by Foundations on behalf of Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) help vulnerable people to maintain their independence. Their primary focus is the repair or adaptation of the client's home, and in support of this objective they may provide a range of services depending on local needs and circumstances. The Future HIA project aims to set out a broad agenda for the evolution of the sector to its next level. It highlights what is already being done well by HIAs and suggests models for wider application. The key messages are:

• For over 20 years, HIAs have been successful in meeting older and vulnerable people's needs, but must adapt to meet the aspirations of CLG's Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society, Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods, and develop new markets for their services
• HIAs will become more diverse as they respond to local needs and priorities. Two ingredients will continue to define the HIA: client-centred support for people to exercise choice over their home environment, and expertise in making changes to the physical fabric of the home
• Government support will continue for HIAs and their commissioners through the new National Body contract, investment in the Future HIA project, and £33m extra funding for the development of handyperson services and information and advice services.

Foundations is the national body for HIAs in England, appointed by CLG to: develop and expand HIA services, provide advice, training and support to HIA staff, and represent the sector in discussions with government and other stakeholders. Further information about Foundations can be found on their website.

The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the consultant authors and do not necessarily represent the views or proposed policies of Communities and Local Government.

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