§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of community beat wardens in helping reduce nuisance and crime. [92016]
§ Mrs. RocheI have been asked to reply.
697WThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister warden schemes work in partnership with local communities and are still relatively new. Robust evaluation is not yet available, but interim findings are positive and show that warden schemes can contribute to improving the liveability of neighbourhoods and the reduction of crime and fear of crime. Residents report significant improvements in community spirit and the quality of life in their neighbourhoods where wardens have proven beneficial and popular.