York has had a warden call service for over 25 years. It can be used by elderly, sick or disabled residents who may need urgent help or re-assurance but who are unable to leave their homes.

The service can be operated through a pendant which can be hung round the customers neck and is linked to the increasingly popular telecare service which was pioneered in the City in 2005 by the LibDem led Council.

Mobile wardens visit those registered with the service which is available 24/7. A small charge of £4-10 a weeks is currently payable although those with limited incomes pay a reduced rate.

Now major changes are planned for this popular service.

On the 22nd March Labour Councillors are proposing an increase in charges.

Their aim is to “create a pricing model that is closer to the actual costs of the service and so reduce the current subsidy”. The report also proposes introducing a charge for couples and to levy a fee for lost equipment.

It is likely that a tiered table of charges will be introduced so that customers can opt for a cheaper, less comprehensive, service.

Further major controversy is likely at a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet which is due to take place on 2nd April. Labour Councillors there will be asked to “approve the Integrated Business Plan for the Community Equipment Loan and Telecare Service (CELTAS) to ‘spin-out’ of City of York Council (CYC) and become an independent social enterprise”.

So another “social enterprise” taking over from the Council with the only way to achieve savings being though increased charges and/or lower staffing costs.

Labour say that the change will save £50,000 a year.

The Press reported on the Warden Call system in 2011 click here to see their story.