Westminster's handyperson service is free for over-60s and disability benefit claimants: two half-day visits a year, £50 of materials each. What it fixes.

The Westminster handyperson service is a free council scheme that sends someone round to do small jobs in your home: fitting a smoke alarm, putting up a grab rail, changing light bulbs you cannot reach, draught-proofing a window. It is open to Westminster residents aged over 60 and to anyone receiving a disability benefit, and you can now book it online as well as by phone.

This page sets out who qualifies, which jobs are covered and which are not, how much you get, and how to book. It draws on the council’s request a free handyperson service page and its Home Improvement Grants and Assistance Policy, both read on 25 October 2026.

Who qualifies

You must live in Westminster and either:

  • be aged over 60, or
  • receive a disability benefit.

The council asks you to be ready to provide proof of your age or of your disability benefit so it can check you are eligible. The service is run by the Westminster Home Improvement Agency, the council team that also handles adaptation grants.

What it covers

The council lists these jobs:

  • installing a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm
  • replacing a toilet roll holder or fitting a toilet seat
  • replacing a shower curtain or rail
  • putting up curtains
  • securing loose carpet
  • replacing light bulbs
  • draught-proofing windows
  • putting up shelves, or a small mirror or cabinet
  • fitting a grab rail
  • replacing a washer in a tap
  • other minor repairs

The council’s policy describes the aim in broader terms: small repairs, minor adaptations for people who are disabled or frail, security measures such as locks, door chains and door viewers, and fall prevention such as removing trip hazards. It says the list is not exhaustive and other small jobs will be considered, but the council decides what work is done and asks for your consent before starting.

What it does not cover

The service will not do:

  • cleaning, decorating or painting
  • electrical work or plumbing that needs a qualified electrician or engineer
  • gas servicing
  • gardening
  • flat pack furniture
  • furniture removal
  • washing machine installation
  • major adaptations
  • emergency repairs

The policy adds outside work that cannot lawfully be done from a ladder, trimming doors to fit new carpet, and, for tenants, any repair that is the landlord’s job.

How much you get

The service is free. Under the council’s policy, each eligible household gets up to two half-day visits in any 12-month period, with materials up to £50 (excluding VAT) per visit included. The council does not give a guarantee or warranty on the work and does not provide ongoing maintenance.

Two half-days go further than they sound if you save jobs up. Before you book, walk round the home and list everything small that needs doing, so one visit can cover the smoke alarm, the loose carpet edge and the bathroom grab rail together.

The policy came into force on 1 September 2021 and says a full review will be carried out within five years, so the limits may change. The council’s web page does not repeat the visit and materials limits, so check them when you book.

How to book

  • Online: use the council’s booking page at handyperson.westminster.gov.uk, where you pick a date and time.
  • By phone: call 020 7641 8959.

Visits run Monday to Friday, in two slots: mornings between 10am and midday, and afternoons between 1pm and 4pm. If the handyperson is running late from a previous job, they will phone to give you a new arrival time or let you rebook.

Council tenants

If you rent from Westminster City Council, repairs that are the council’s responsibility as your landlord, such as a dripping tap the council fitted, a broken door entry or a faulty boiler, go through the normal repairs line, not the handyperson service. Our guide to Westminster council housing repairs explains how to report them and the timescales. The council’s separate tenant handyperson page now just asks tenants to email housing.enquiries@westminster.gov.uk with questions.

The handyperson service can still help a council tenant who qualifies with jobs that are not the landlord’s responsibility, such as putting up curtains or shelves.

Other help from the same team

The Westminster Home Improvement Agency also runs grants for bigger work:

  • Safe and secure grant: repairs to door and window locks, door chains, smoke detectors, door viewers, fire blankets and security lights, carried out by the council’s contractor. It is open to owner-occupiers and private or housing association tenants who are over 60, disabled, or under 60 and on benefits; to council tenants who are over 60 or disabled; and to anyone burgled in the last 12 months.
  • Emergency works heating and hot water grant for emergency heating and hot water works.
  • Disabled facilities grants for adaptations such as level-access showers and stairlifts, after an occupational therapist assessment.

You can enquire about any of these through the council’s housing adaptations, grants and assistance pages. If you are on a low income, check our guide to Westminster council tax discounts too.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Westminster handyperson service free? Yes. Labour is free and materials are included up to £50, excluding VAT, per visit under the council’s policy. You get up to two half-day visits in any 12 months.

Who can use the Westminster handyperson service? Westminster residents aged over 60, and residents receiving a disability benefit. You need to show proof of your age or your benefit.

How do I book the handyperson in Westminster? Book online through the council’s handyperson booking page or call 020 7641 8959. Appointments are on weekdays, 10am to midday or 1pm to 4pm.

Will the handyperson fit a smoke alarm or grab rail? Yes. Fitting smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and grab rails are both on the council’s list of covered jobs, along with draught-proofing, shelves, curtains and loose carpet.

Does the handyperson do plumbing or electrical work? No. The service excludes plumbing, electrical work and gas servicing, apart from simple jobs like replacing a tap washer or a light bulb.

Can council tenants use the handyperson service? Yes, if they are over 60 or receive a disability benefit, for jobs that are not the council’s responsibility as landlord. Landlord repairs go through the council housing repairs service instead.