Desborough councillor accuses Reform-run NNC of 'breaking promise' to stairlift users in sheltered accommodation as £800k lift idea dropped

Stairlifts fitted in communal areas of Hazeland House and Saxon Close in Desborough, and Windsor Gardens in Kettering, were earmarked for removal in a decision made in late 2025.

A review by North Northants Council (NNC) of the mobility aids highlighted several ‘safety concerns’, including the risk of obstructing evacuation routes, non-compliance with modern fire safety standards and issues raised by regulators and insurers.

After residents objected, residents say they were given a ‘clear, personal, face-to-face’ assurance the decision to remove the stairlifts was ‘not about money’ but keeping people safe, adding that if funding were required, the council would find it.

But in a meeting at Saxon Close on Monday (July 27), residents were told NNC would not install external lifts at Saxon Close – an alternative to stairlifts – as it could cost about £800,000.

Cllr David Howes said: "I am incredibly disappointed for the residents of Saxon Close and their families. For months, residents have lived with uncertainty while long drawn-out occupational therapy assessments, fire safety advice and technical feasibility studies were undertaken. Throughout all that time, they had been looking for reassurance that a long-term solution could be found.

“What makes the announcement particularly difficult is that we now know a solution is technically possible. The decision not to proceed is therefore not because it cannot be done, but because the council has chosen not to do it.

“At the very first residents' meeting to discuss this important issue in January this year, Cllr Martin Griffiths, the Reform leader of NNC, gave residents a clear personal face-to-face assurance that this was not about money and that, if funding were required, the council would find it. Residents and ward members understandably placed great faith in those comments.

“Despite being invited by me to attend last night’s meeting Cllr Griffiths didn’t attend and clearly his position now appears very different to the personal assurances he previously gave.

“While I recognise the financial pressures facing every local authority, vulnerable residents who have built their lives around being able to live independently at Saxon Close deserve better than simply being told the solution is unaffordable.”

In a re-issued statement, Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of the council and executive member for housing, said: “I personally met with affected residents of Saxon Close, together with Cllr David Howes and senior officers, to discuss the recent decision regarding communal stairlifts. We recognise the impact this decision has had, which is why we visited in person to listen carefully and work collaboratively on practical solutions.

"The safety and well-being of residents remain our highest priority. It was a constructive discussion, and we explored additional support options and agreed on a clear way forward, including a follow-up meeting to ensure everyone feels reassured and supported.”

NNC said a total of eight residents would be impacted across three of its sheltered housing schemes and that managers would meet with each resident to agree additional support and address any questions or concerns.

Affected residents were encouraged to speak with their sheltered services officer or scheme manager so they could be offered ‘tailored support’, including occupational health referrals and assistance with Keyways applications.

A spokesman for North Northants Council said: “Whilst the installation of an external lift was technically possible, it would have required substantial investment and significant alterations to the building. As with any proposal involving public funds, affordability and value for money must be considered. However, the determining factor in the council's position has always been resident safety and compliance with current fire safety requirements.

"Hazeland House and Saxon Close are sheltered housing schemes intended for independent living, and the council must ensure that investment decisions are proportionate, sustainable and consistent with the purpose of the accommodation.”

Cllr Howes added: “I want to pay tribute to the residents, their families, who have conducted themselves with dignity and patience throughout what has been an incredibly stressful process.

“This is not the outcome many had hoped for, and I will continue to press the council to ensure every resident receives the support they need and that no one is left feeling forgotten."