Press Release

17 June 2025

Have your say on draft policy for Battery Powered Mobility Aids

Fareham Borough Council has launched a public consultation seeking feedback on a new Draft Battery Powered Mobility Aids Policy, relating to its housing stock.

Battery powered mobility aids provide a valuable and increasingly popular mode of transport for those with mobility issues. The term covers what is typically known as ‘mobility scooters’ and also encompasses electric wheelchairs.

The new policy aims to raise awareness of the process for gaining permission for a mobility scooter, as well as outlining what constitutes safe storage and charging within Council homes. It aims to protect Council tenants and visitors by ensuring that the appropriate health and safety measures are in place and that guidance on how mobility aids are used, stored and managed is followed. Incorrect storage can increase the risk of fire and tenants may be held liable for damages as a result of incorrect storage, charging or use of their mobility aids.

This consultation seeks feedback on the draft policy document to ensure the guidance within it is clear and concise. It will run until Friday 25 July and Fareham residents can review the draft policy and have their say through a short survey here: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/03e9de6b-f907-4b4b-9620-958a3e3cd246

Executive Member for Housing, Cllr Fred Birkett, said: “It is important that Council housing tenants are aware of the requirements and conditions of owning and using mobility aids before a purchase is made. It is a big responsibility to keep aids in good condition, stored correctly, charged properly and with adequate insurance. It is vital that this policy document is clear and the guidance is easy to understand so I encourage the public to review the draft and have their say.”

Details of this and other public consultations can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/consultations.

ENDS