A PROJECT which helps thousands of householders get advice and help to improve their property is to be extended by another year.

Festival Housing is on the verge of striking a fresh deal with the likes of Worcester City Council to help thousands more residents.

Care & Repair Worcestershire, which launched to much fanfare in 2010, offers support to vulnerable people, those on low incomes, pensioners and the disabled to help them get help with their homes.

The project helped 2,367 people last year, 474 of whom were in Worcester.

It is aimed at both privatesector tenants and those in social housing.

Services available include advice on improving security, reducing energy bills and how to apply for welfare.

The body can also get quotes for any home improvements, offer support on requesting grants, and arrange to pay third parties for work carried out.

Last year the most common request for help was how to get a better shower by people in social housing.

The contract was due to run out this spring but a new deal is being arranged so it can extend to March 2015.

The city council’s Labourled cabinet has agreed to support the plan, paving the way for the deal to be signed.

It is joint-funded by all six district councils in Worcestershire and the county council, based on an assessment from the government on the likely number of people needing support.

Councillor Lynn Denham, Worcester’s cabinet member for community engagement, said: “This has been running for a few years now and it’s regarded as a good model that’s worked well for both us and the rest of the county.

“There has to be a mechanism in place for ensuring we have a continuous service.

“The funding for the next financial year is in line for our assessed needs so there’s no financial concerns about it.”

Because of changes to government funding, from 2015 clinical commissioning groups will be expected to take over responsibility for the service instead of councils.

The body also specialises in helping to adapt homes so vulnerable people can live in them safely.

Call 01684 579 456 or visit careandrepairworcestershire.co.uk.