ELDERLY residents have been treated with 'disregard' over changes to sheltered housing, it was claimed this week.
Council leaders voted last month to reduce the working week of wardens from six to five days despite opposition from many residents, opposition councillors and the wardens themselves.
The cabinet decision was last Tuesday (May 1) called in by the council's overview and scrutiny committee, which has the power to demand a re-think. But after two-and-a-half hours grilling cabinet members and officers, committee members voted to let the original decision stand.
Conservative councillor Gill Hutchison, lead petitioner for the call-in, blasted the verdict, claiming it would put residents at 'high risk'. I am bitterly disappointed and outraged at the disregard of our vulnerable and elderly residents," said the member for Feltham North.
She claimed replacing warden cover on Saturdays with the 'already over-stretched' Linkline telephone support system would pose a 'high risk' to residents.
She also criticised the council's decision to undertake only an internal assessment of Linkline, not due for completion until October, rather than an independent review as recommended by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS).
Council bosses have defended the changes, insisting Linkline is a sufficient safeguard and pointing out that wardens' overall hours will remain the same.
Councillor Steve Curran, cabinet member for housing, said: "I am pleased the committee has supported the original decision, which was made after a considerable amount of consultation and evidence gathering.
"I am now looking forward to continuing to work with tenants to make sure the planned improvements to the service make a positive difference to their homes and their lives."
However, HUSSTRA (Hounslow Union Sheltered Tenants Residents Association) chairman Phil West accused the committee, which consists of six Labour members and just four Tories (two of whom failed to attend) of voting along party lines.
"These changes will create high risk to the lives of the sheltered tenants, does not make financial sense, and because the underlying consultation was heavily flawed," he said. "This decision was a mistake. It was political and unethical and represents a sad day for the Hounslow constituents and the council.
"It is a shame on the Labour majority that they should take a political stand over the health and welfare of their most vulnerable community, the sheltered tenants."
