Frequently asked questions
Why are you proposing these changes?
In February 2023, our Members approved the Council’s planned budget for 2023-24. The budget takes into account a rise in the cost of services and additional demands on council services from an ageing population with increasing complexity of need, which leaves a shortfall of £58 million over the next financial year.
This means that savings need to be made across a whole range of services. The Community Warden service has been asked to reduce its annual budget by £1 million by 2024-25. To achieve this level of saving, we will need to redesign the service.
When and how can I share my views on the proposals?
The consultation is open between 12 July and 3 October 2023. During this time you can submit your views by completing the online questionnaire from the consultation webpage.
Paper copies can be requested by email; CommunityWardenReview@kent.gov.uk or telephone; 03000 42 26 88.
Easy read and large print versions are available. If any of the consultation material is needed in any other format or language, this can be requested by email; alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or telephone on 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service 18001 03000 42 15 53).
These phone numbers go to answer machines, which are monitored during office hours.
Will my comments be made public?
Comments may be used within the consultation report which draws together all of the responses to the public consultation. However, any personal information that could identify you or anyone else, will not be used in the report or made public. Please read our privacy policy for further details. If you are responding on behalf of an organisation your organisation name may be published alongside any comments featured in the report.
Would fewer wardens in Kent mean that they would be spread too thinly to be effective?
The proposed operating model would mean that in order for the wardens to continue to be effective and therefore not spread too thinly, we would need to allocate wardens to areas where they were most needed and could have the greatest impact. By utilising a Geographical Allocation Policy (GAP), we would look to have wardens primarily work in an electoral ward or wards, serving a population of between 6,000-12,000 residents. The service would still have a presence in every district or borough in Kent but the number of communities we could serve would be less. By adopting this approach, we could ensure that the role of the warden, along with their remit and community-based approach would be retained.
What support would there be if a warden leaves my area?
Strategies would be developed with local partners so that a handover to remaining local services can be arranged for future support to individuals and communities. It is not possible to be more specific on what support would be provided at this time. Different individuals, communities and locations will have different needs, preferences, and alternatives available. The strategies and handovers would take these differences into account. The proposals being consulted upon are subject to change in light of responses received. Additionally, any changes to warden allocations would most likely take effect from Spring 2024, by which time needs and alternative services available may have changed.
Will the Community Safety Volunteer Scheme be impacted by these proposals?
Volunteers make a valuable contribution to the service and the communities they support. Changes to the way existing Community Safety volunteers are supported may be necessary once the final shape of the service is known.
Community Wardens work closely with local groups of volunteers from existing community groups or organisations. These informal arrangements are working effectively and are likely to be more sustainable than a scheme hosted by the Community Warden service should the service have smaller teams, a smaller footprint and less resources in the future. Such informal arrangements would be fostered at a local level, by the Team Leaders.