HC Deb 18 November 2003 vol 413 c815W
Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many sheltered accommodation centres(a) have and (b) do not have resident wardens; and if he will make a statement on the trends regarding resident wardens over the last 10 years. [138911]

Keith Hill

Figures are not available showing how many sheltered accommodation centres have and do not have resident wardens, and on the trends regarding resident wardens over the last 10 years. As part of their on-going assessment of local needs and review of housing-related support services as part of the Supporting People programme, local authorities are examining the amount of sheltered accommodation and housing-related support provided in that accommodation and, for the first time, will be able to gradually build up an indication of longer term trends.

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make an assessment of the(a) advantages and (b) disadvantages, including financial considerations, of requiring resident wardens in all sheltered accommodation centres. [138912]

Keith Hill

The Government are committed to ensuring that all vulnerable members of the community receive the housing-related support they need including, where appropriate, warden services in sheltered accommodation, to help them live as independently as possible. To help bring this about, the Supporting People programme provides an integrated framework for planning and funding housing-related support services. Under Supporting People, local authorities will review all housing-related support services, examining their quality, performance and cost-effectiveness. In the case of sheltered housing, we would expect these reviews to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the way in which warden services are provided.