Don't forget your Voter ID
If you are voting in person in the General Election on Thursday 4 July, you will need to take an accepted form of photo ID with you.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk's Independent Living Service (ILS) aims to encourage independence at home, by providing a supportive network across the county.
The ILS will focus on creating a suitable home environment for our vulnerable residents, their families and carers. This includes listening to people and offering guidance on financial support, adaptations and relocation assistance.
Our advice and support services are designed to help you live safely and independently in your home. They include:
The service is for residents who:
We offer three grants to adapt your home
If you are a Council or housing association tenant, contact your Housing Officer for help and advice on how you can remain safely in your home or consider alternative accommodation.
If you have any further questions, please read our FAQs further down this page.
Our Housing Assistance Policy can give assistance to disabled residents to improve accessibility to and suitability of their home.
The policy can:
Read our Housing Assistance Policy
Once an Occupational Therapist (OT) has referred your assessment to us, our caseworker will contact you to discuss your needs. In most cases, they will arrange a telephone call to explain how we can help you and to complete application forms. To find out more please read the information from Suffolk County Council
Yes, we can arrange to visit at a time that best suits you. You can have a family member, friend or other representative with you during the visit.
In most cases, you will be able to remain at home whilst works are being carried out.
If a temporary move is required, it is your responsibility to source and fund alternative accommodation.
No, we use a variety of approved builders to carry out the work on our behalf.
If you decide that you no longer want to carry out the works, there may be a charge. The charge would be for the service delivered or any works that have already been carried out up to that point. If you do change your mind, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible.
This depends on the complexity of the works. For example, the installation of a level access shower can take up to three or four months, from initial contact. A complex schedule of works may take six months or longer.
We will keep you informed throughout the process.
One of our technical officers will inspect the work once it is completed. They will liaise with the builder on your behalf if there are any issues with the quality of the works or any defects. Planning and Building Control Officers will carry out their own inspections, where needed.
Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils will pay the contractors. We will send you an invoice for your contribution.
Once the works have been completed, you can report any defects or issues with the works and any equipment installed in the first year (12 months).
If there are any additional guarantees, these will be explained to you by your caseworker.
Your caseworker will advise you of any equipment that will need maintenance or servicing (e.g. stairlift).
Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils are not responsible for carrying out or paying for any maintenance or servicing.
You should contact your caseworker as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. There is a defects period of 12 months from completion of the works.
Your caseworker will be your main contact for all queries and concerns that you may have. They will act on your behalf during the whole process. This includes arranging any necessary visits to your home by people delivering the Independent Living Service. These could be from surveyors, OTs or contractors.