Warden service proposals criticised

CAMPAIGNERS ARE concerned about revised proposals which will see a warden service replaced by a network of mobile support workers.

Under proposals going to East Riding Council’s cabinet next week just 21 of 47 schemes will be retained for sheltered and supported housing.

Trevor Shaw, who lives on a sheltered housing complex in Shopeth Way, Woodmansey, that is due to become general purpose housing, said: “Who is to say there are less vulnerable people on this scheme than any other scheme?”

Mr Shaw, who is partially disabled, and lives with his disabled wife, said the new service could not match what they have now, adding: “I get a warden check every day – no level of service is going to give me a visit every day.”

He is also concerned just 49 per cent of tenants responded to questionnaires in a second phase of consultation – and those who did were not given the option to ask for the status quo.

Labour councillor for Beverley, George McManus, is worried changes to designation could see prime council properties sold off under Right to Buy rules. And he claimed many wardens “won’t even apply for the new roles due to imposing of shifts and weekend working”.

But an East Riding Council spokesman said: “Tenants are not losing their warden service. Welfare support workers will continue to provide a face-to-face support visit for those who still want one.”

A survey showed 41 per cent would be happy with no support service or just a telephone call once a week. The new system will allow those in “general needs” or “housing for older people” schemes to opt out.

A statement added: “As with any change, staff are anxious but we will be working closely with them and their trade union representatives in the coming weeks to agree working arrangements that mean people will work in familiar localities.”