The service provides practical help to residents in the region (who are of pensionable age or are disabled) with small repairs and tasks around the home.

Isla Gray, interim managing director at Horizon, which part of the Link group of social enterprises, said: “We are delighted to continue providing this important service. We know how much of a difference it makes to the older and disabled people living in the area.”

The current contract was due to end in March 2019, but this extension ensures the service is available to continue to support older and disabled owners maintain their homes beyond this date.

Councillor Allan Graham, convener of enterprise and housing, said: “North Lanarkshire Council is delighted to provide funding of £205,000 to support the continuation of the Care and Repair service across the area, for 2019/20.

“This is great news for our older and disabled residents who use the service to help them with small repairs and tasks around the home.

“This service is really valuable and offers assistance to vulnerable people living in our communities by helping to keep them comfortable in their own homes, while increasing levels of community participation, engagement and volunteering.”