Council Stairlift Removal: How to Get a Council-Fitted Stairlift Removed in the UK

Searching for council stairlift removal? If so, you may be unsure who is responsible for taking it out and whether it the council, the NHS, or a private company? In the UK, stairlifts fitted by the council are usually provided on loan and must be returned when no longer needed. However, not all stairlifts are council-owned, in which case you may need to arrange removal yourself.

This guide explains the difference between council-installed and privately-owned stairlifts. We will explain how to request removal, and what to do if your local council can’t help.

Who Is Responsible for Council Stairlift Removal?

When a stairlift is provided by a local authority or NHS occupational therapist, it is classed as loaned community equipment. This means:

The stairlift remains the property of the council
It must be returned when no longer needed
You should not attempt to remove it yourself

To arrange removal, you’ll need to contact your local council’s Community Equipment Service, Adult Social Care, or Occupational Therapy team.

If the Stairlift Was Fitted by the Council

If your stairlift was installed through a council care assessment, you must contact them to request collection.

1️⃣ Contact Your Local Equipment Service

Each council has its own equipment department. You will need to provide:

Your address
Details of the equipment
Confirmation that it is no longer required

2️⃣ Leeds Example – LCES (Local Care Equipment Service)

In Leeds, West Yorkshire, for example, stairlifts are managed by the LCES team. To arrange removal, you can:

📞 Call: 0113 378 3282
✉️ Email: (via Leeds City Council website – Adult Social Care)

Other councils have similar teams, so check your local authority’s Adult Social Care or Occupational Therapy contact details. Google search for “{your city} council stairlift removal”.

If the Stairlift Was Not Fitted by the Council

If you bought the stairlift privately, the council is not responsible for removing it.

In this case, you have three options:

✔️ 1. Contact the Original Supplier

Some manufacturers offer a removal service, however, this can be expensive or limited to their own brand.

✔️ 2. Use a Specialist Stairlift Removal Company

Private removal services (like ourselves) can safely dismantle and collect any make or model.

👉 Book a Professional Removal – Call us on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page here.

✔️ 3. Council Bulky Waste Collection (Not Always Suitable)

Some councils offer a paid bulky waste collection. But they often don’t remove fitted equipment such as stairlifts due to electrical and safety risks. Stairlift removal is a tricky and technical job which can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing! Stairlifts are heavy, and need removing from the stairlift rail before the rail can be dismantled.

So we always recommend getting a professional to remove your stairlift.

Important Things to Know

Situation	Who Removes It?
Council-installed stairlift	Local council equipment team
NHS loaned stairlift	Community equipment provider
Privately purchased stairlift	Private removal service needed
Broken stairlift	Specialist or recycling service

Frequently Asked Questions

🛠 Can I remove a council stairlift myself?
Not if it belongs to the council. Council stairlifts remain council property, and DIY removal can damage your home or the lift itself. It can also void any warranty, or the responsibility of the council (if council owned). See our stairlift removal page for a more in-depth look at stairlift removal.

💷 Do councils charge for stairlift removal?
If the stairlift is council-owned, removal is usually free. If it’s privately owned, they may not assist.

♻️ Will the council take away my private stairlift?
Some may offer a bulky waste service, but most will not handle fitted stairlifts. You will need a specialist such as Sell Your Stairlift Now!

⏳ How long does removal take?
Specialist removal typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the model and rail type. We will need to arrange a time slot which is suitable, this can be within a few days depending on our availability, where you are in the country and how busy we are.

🛠 Do you remove any stairlift and how much does it cost?

We can remove any stairlift but the price we pay or how much it will cost depends on whether your stairlift can be re-used and the model, age and condition of it.

Need a Stairlift Removed Quickly?

If your stairlift was not installed by the council — or the council cannot remove it — we provide fast, nationwide stairlift removal.

Any brand – Stannah, Acorn, Thyssenkrupp, Handicare
Straight or curved tracks
Fast, safe, and tidy service

👉 Learn more about stairlift Removal
👉 Contact Us for a Quote

If you’re looking to get a stairlift removed or looking to buy a reconditioned stairlift give us a call on 0800 046 3438.