The ODPM is to give no further financial help to any of England's 245 neighbourhood warden schemes once their initial government funding runs out after three years.
For at least four successful schemes – including a Hyde Housing Group scheme in Islington, north London and schemes run by Barnet and West Lancashire councils – this is the final blow despite knowing that funds would run out after three years (HT, 19 March, page 11).

Confirmation that no further funding would be forthcoming came from Alan Bowman, the ODPM's head of neighbourhood wardens, at the launch of a report by consultant Social Development Direct on the success of the 500-plus schemes – not all of them funded by the ODPM – which employ 3000 people across England.

The report's key findings were:

  • a 28% fall in reported crime in warden areas compared to a 4.7% increase in non-warden areas
  • a 10% decline in fear of crime compared to a small increase in non-warden areas
  • a 6.5% decline in worries about bogus callers versus a 4.9% increase in non-warden areas

Bowman said the research proved the effectiveness of the scheme. He said there were 12 warden resources centres opening around the country to help schemes manage the funding transition. The ODPM has funded three rounds of warden schemes to date with £91m earmarked for the schemes between 2000 and 2006.

Source

Housing Today