Safer Homes SchemeWhat is the Safer Homes scheme? 
Southwark’s Safer Homes scheme aims to make your home more safe and secure. It will deliver a package of security works that could include replacing or repairing doors and locks, providing additional door security, door viewers, memo minders or security lights among others. The scheme is delivered by Southwark’s home improvement agency (HIA).
Who can apply?
You can be referred by any external agency, organisation or service, or you can contact the HIA yourself (contact details at the end of this leaflet). The scheme is currently piloted in East Dulwich (SE22) area only. You can apply if you:
- You live in SE22
- You are a home owner over 60 years old
- You are a disabled home owner under 60
- You receive one of the following benefits
Income Support or Guarantee Pension Credit
Savings Pension Credit
Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit
Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
How much does it cost?
The works provided by the scheme are financed from Southwark’s Small Works Grant. The grant can cover safety works worth up to £5000.
How does the scheme work?
Once you have been referred or contacted the home improvement agency, a financial counsellor and surveyor will arrange to visit you. The financial counsellor will complete a grant application form and collect required supporting documents.
The agency surveyor will carry out an inspection and specify the qualifying works. When the grant is approved, the HIA will appoint a suitable contractor to carry out the works. The home improvement agency will deal every issue on your behalf, from overseeing any works to paying for completed works.
What kind of works can we do for you?
Under the scheme we can provide the following works 
- Replace or repair doors and locks
- Install door viewers
- Install security light
- Install memo minders*
*A memo minder is a small device installed next to the door which will provide additional security by reminding you about simple safety precautions.
Other works we will provide for you include
- Replacement or repair of broken or vulnerable windows
- Fitting window locks
- Replacement or repairs to fencing that pose a security risk
- Apply anti-climb paint
- Fitting ‘prikka strips’ (fence spikes)
- Cut back vegetation when necessary
How to apply?
If you would like to apply for any of the above works, or talk to us about other services we provide for elderly or disabled home owners, please call the Home Improvement Agency on 020 7525 1873.
Home Improvement Agency
Tel: 020 7525 1873
Fax: 020 7525 1856
Southwark Council
6 Stopford Road
London
SE17 3BP
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
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