§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if applications may be made for new neighbourhood wardens schemes starting in 2004; [22222]
(2) what discussions he has had with (a) the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and (b) other bodies on marketing, expansion and funding opportunities for the neighbourhood wardens scheme; [22219]
(3) what the budget is for the neighbourhood wardens scheme for (a) 2001 and (b) 2002; [22226]
(4) which areas are running the neighbourhood wardens scheme, and what assessment he has made of the results of the scheme in each area; [22225]
(5) what funding will be available for the (a) continuation of current and (b) creation of new neighbourhood wardens schemes after 2004. [22221]
§ Ms KeebleFollowing discussions with officials I announced continued funding for existing neighbourhood warden schemes in England at the annual wardens conference on 19 November. Marketing expansion and funding opportunities for wardens schemes were discussed at that conference and continue to be reviewed.
There are 85 neighbourhood and 125 street warden schemes covering each of the government regions. The Government have commissioned a national evaluation of the neighbourhood warden programme which is due for completion by mid 2003. The evaluation is intended to provide an assessment of scheme impacts and to understand the processes of scheme implementation. It is not possible to consider each and every scheme in the same detail but care is taken to ensure that all regions receive roughly equal coverage that enables a picture of national-level impact to be established. In addition, schemes are encouraged to undertake local-level evaluations appropriate to their needs. Street warden schemes in England have yet to start and will be subject to a similarly rigorous evaluation process.
884WGovernment funding for neighbourhood wardens is £5 million for 2001–02 and £4.5 million for 2002–03. For street wardens the figures are £5 million and £10 million respectively.
The continuation of funding for existing and future warden schemes will depend on the outcome of the 2002 Spending Review and at this stage it is too early to make applications for new schemes.