A storm of controversy has erupted around proposals to reform the warden scheme for sheltered housing in an effort to make savings of up to £400,000 per year.

Proposals that sheltered housing should move from a residential to a non-residential warden scheme were set to come under fire at a housing committee meeting last night.

District councillors have not only criticised the proposed changes to the current warden system, but also the way the consultation process was carried out.

Wickford North councillor, Tony Ball, said: "It is an indictment of this administration.

"Someone has to ask are they taking the easy option and risking the health and security of our elderly? They didn't even consult properly with tenants and have come up with the poor excuse that they did not want to worry them. Well they are going to be more worried if it is just going to be imposed on them."

Cllr Ball and Cllr Stephen Horgan will now be looking for the item to be deferred until further consultation is carried out.

Executive director of community housing, Mark Gaynor, has defended the plans.

He said: "We are actually pledging to keep the warden service on and there will not be a moment under these proposals when a scheme will not be covered by a warden or our 'Careline' service.

"It is clearly a change in the way the service is being delivered, but the degree to which the safety and security of these tenants is being protected will remain."

The plans are part of an on going review of housing services and Mr Gaynor argues that the new scheme - which would be introduced over a number of years - would actually protect the principle of the warden system.

He said: "We are not recommending a withdrawal from a warden system.

"We are recommending that having an identified warden is still the best system for our district."

If the plans get the go ahead officers claim there will be no immediately noticeable impact. Non-residential wardens will be introduced as vacancies appear in the service and tenants should be informed well in advance of any changes.

Cllr Ball feels savings could have been made elsewhere. He said: "This shows the mess the council has allowed itself to get into. It has looked for cuts here when it has failed to sort out the massive amount of money lost through rent arrears."

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