What is Hartlepool Technology-Enabled Care (HTEC)?
The Hartlepool Technology for Enabled Care (also known as HTEC) service supports individuals to stay safe, secure and independent in their own home. Through personal alarms and our monitoring system, we can provide customers living in Hartlepool, aged 18 and over with around-the-clock support.
All customers are provided with a base unit and pendant alarm, however additional equipment, such as, falls detectors, smoke detectors, bed sensors, door sensors etc. can be made available following an assessment of your individual needs.
HTEC options
Option 1: Alarm with up to 5 nominated contacts
Cost: £5.25 per week (£6.30 including VAT) from 1 April 2026
You’ll receive a base unit and pendant alarm linked to our response team. If you press the alarm calls will come from the Emergency Response Centre on one of the following numbers:
- 0330 678 1097
- 0330 678 1675
Option 2: Alarm with Direct Care and Support response
Cost: £12.60 per week £15.12 (including VAT)
One-off setup fee: £63 (including VAT)
You will need to have a council-approved key safe
If you press the alarm:
- the operator will know who you and where you are, even if you are unable to speak
- they'll speak to you through the device
- for option 1, they'll contact one of up to 5 emeregency contacts you've nominated
- for option 2, they'll contact Direct Care and Support Team
How to sign up to HTEC
You can sign up to the HTEC service by completing the online application form below. Alternatively, you can contact the HTEC Team on 01429 242906, and a member of the team can do this with you over the phone.
How to cancel your HTEC service
You can cancel your HTEC service by completing the cancellation form below. Alternatively, you can contact the HTEC Team on 01429 242906 or email HTEC@hartlepool.gov.uk with the customers name, address and reason for cancellation.
Please do not cancel your direct debit as the service is paid for in arrears and payment will be due until the end of the month.
Receiving your equipment
Once your application form has been processed, your information will be shared securely with our contractor, Taking Care. You will then be contacted by a member of the Taking Care team, who will arrange a convenient date and time to install the equipment and provide a demonstration. The equipment may be new or refurbished to a high standard.
For option 2 customers, a key safe must be installed at the property within 10 working days, so the Handyperson will be in contact with you to arrange a suitable date and time.
Key safe requirements:
- a key safe is a secure box fitted outside your home to hold a key, which can be accssed by using a code
- only trusted carers with the access code can use the key safe
- if you rent your home, we'll contact your landlord for permission
- the Handyperson service will install the key safe and agree a code with you
- where possible, you should not change your access code, but if necessary, you must contact the Direct Care and Support Team on 01429 401751
Payment arrangements:
- you will receive a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you sign up, during which no charges will apply
- payment will commence after the 14-day cooling-off period has ended and your start date has been confirmed
- payments are made monthly in arrears
If someone else in your home also requires HTEC, they can share the base unit but they will need their own pendant. Both customers will need to be on the same option, however there is a 50% discount for the second person.
Option 1: £2.63 per week (£3.15 including VAT)
Option 2: £6.30 per week (£7.56 including VAT). Only one set-up fee will apply
VAT exemption
If you're disabled or have a long-term illness, you may not need to pay VAT.