‘It’s inhuman’ says resident in Northants council-owned sheltered accommodation as stairlifts removed from homes

Removal of the stairlifts for residents of flats in at least two sheltered complexes in Kettering and Desborough will go ahead, despite objections by those who depend on them.

Janet Paling, a resident at Windsor Gardens in Kettering, moved into her first floor property 14 years ago from a bungalow and was reassured by the presence of a stairlift.

But she is dismayed that the mobility aid she now depends on is being removed and says it is an ‘inhuman’ decision.

She said: “I rely on the stairlift. I don’t want to move house again. I came here thinking I would have the stairlift. They are discriminating against me and it’s cruel. “It’s totally inconsiderate and it’s inhuman. Why are they picking on sheltered accommodation?

“I have got osteoporosis. I make myself walk down the stairs, but after I have been shopping or done my laundry, I need it to get back up using the stairlift because of the weight.”

Janet suggested to her landlord North Northants Council (NNC) they could add the cost of the stairlift’s maintenance to her rent, but they have declined her offer.

NNC says it has carried out a review that 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.

A spokesman from North Northamptonshire Council said: “We understand that this change may cause concern, and we want to reassure residents that their safety and wellbeing remain our top priority. Stairlifts in communal stairwells of some of our sheltered housing schemes were originally installed by legacy councils. Following a thorough review of health and safety, fire compliance, accessibility, and regulatory requirements, we have made the decision to remove these stairlifts and not reinstate them. Instead, we are working with residents to explore safer and more suitable alternatives.

“The review 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. These stairlifts were never intended for shared use, they were designed for individual users following a personal assessment that considers mobility, ability to manage controls, weight, and height.

"Shared use increases safety risks and the likelihood of harm. In line with this, communal stairlifts are excluded in North Northamptonshire Council’s Aids and Adaptations Policy, which focuses on working with residents to explore personal adaptations within the home or alternative solutions where required.

"All residents affected have been advised and provided with information on the support available. Sheltered housing is designed for tenants who can live independently; it is not supported living. However, we are committed to helping those impacted.

"If any resident has concerns about accessing upper floors, we encourage them to speak with their Sheltered Services Officer or scheme manager so that we can offer tailored support, including Occupational Health referrals and assistance with Keyways applications.”

The spokesman added: “Our priority is to keep residents safe while ensuring they continue to receive the support they need to maintain independence.”

In Desborough, residents in 10 upstairs flats in Saxon Close are also being impacted by the decision to remove their stairlifts.

Desborough Town Councillor Andy Coleman has lodged a formal complaint on behalf of those affected ​saying the removal constitutes a ‘fundamental failure’ in NNC's statutory duties and will have a ‘devastating and discriminatory impact’ on disabled residents.

In a letter to NNC’s chief executive Adele Wylie and its legal services department, Cllr Coleman said: “The proposed removal of these essential accessibility aids constitutes a fundamental failure in the Council's (NNC) statutory duties and will have a devastating and discriminatory impact on the disabled residents. I formally request an immediate reversal of this decision and a review of the underlying assessment.

"Their removal does not constitute a minor inconvenience but a complete denial of access, effectively rendering residents prisoners in their own homes.”

Demands include:

– Immediate suspension of the decision to cease maintenance and remove the stairlifts ​ – A formal written justification for the decision taken by NNC ​ – The Equality Impact Assessment related to the stairlift removal – ​Any recent Occupational Therapist assessments or reports detailing the necessity of the lifts for the residents – ​A detailed cost analysis proving that maintenance or replacement is an unreasonable burden, including quotes for essential repairs or new installations.

Back in Kettering, even though Janet is the only person in her block to use the stairlift, because other people could potentially use it, it is being removed.

She said: “It’s because it’s a communal block. But I’m more at risk of falling up or down the stairs – none of it make any sense.

"I will be housebound. I have a social life. I have a wide circle of friends – I just need to be able to get down the stairs.”