Concerns have been raised over proposals to cut the number of neighbourhood wardens in County Durham, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner and parish councillors warned that community safety could be at risk if Durham County Council’s proposals are approved.
Wardens have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices for littering, dog fouling, fly-tipping and graffiti.
The local authority is set to reduce its staffing structure for neighbourhood wardens in 2026/27 as part of £3.374 million savings in the neighbourhoods and environment department.
Respondents to a recent consultation on the budget proposals highlighted the importance of services that maintain clean, safe and welcoming communities, including neighbourhood wardens, environmental enforcement and green spaces. There is concern that cutting these areas would lead to increased anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and a decline in the quality of life.
The concerns were also shared by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, who said neighbourhood wardens play a “vital role” in addressing low-level issues and supporting early intervention.
Members of the City of Durham Parish Council praised the impact neighbourhood wardens have on keeping the city centre safe.
A survey response read: “Neighbourhood Wardens are a highly visible and essential frontline service, playing a critical role in improving environmental quality, supporting communities, deterring antisocial behaviour and providing early intervention that prevents more costly enforcement actions.
“Reducing warden capacity will inevitably diminish the council’s ability to respond effectively to community concerns, particularly in urban centres such as Durham City, where the demand for enforcement and community support is consistently high.
“Any erosion in this service risks undermining public confidence, particularly in a parish such as our own, where there is high demand for this service given the presence of over 16,000 full-time students living in HMOs in our community.”
Reform deputy leader Darren Grimes said “difficult decisions” will need to be made, but is confident the local authority will continue to provide effective services for residents.
Among the other proposals as part of the council’s budget is a a 3.1% council tax increase for County Durham residents.
Speaking after the council revealed its updated budget proposals, Cllr Grimes added: “We continue to face significant financial challenges, driven by increasing demand for statutory services, inflationary pressures, and changes in national funding policy – all factors outside of our control.
“While this necessitates some difficult decisions to balance the budget, we know from extensive consultations that our wardens team is an incredibly valuable service to our residents and we are doing all that we can to protect it.
“In taking control of Durham County Council, we inherited a savings proposal to cut the neighbourhood wardens service over the next two years. We have reduced the proposed level of savings in this area and will ensure our services focus on key priority areas whilst strengthening partnership working with other agencies to ensure communities remain supported.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
