SOCIAL services chiefs have defended plans critics say could leave pensioners living in sheltered accommodation without permanent on-site wardens.

Government plans to re-jig the way money is allocated to care for the elderly have prompted a review that could see the wardens being asked to cover more than one sheltered accommodation complex.

The possible shake-up has sparked numerous complaints and protests, with some pensioners in sheltered accommodation fearing they would have less daily contact with their wardens.

But Cllr Kevin Lynes (Con) Kent County Council's cabinet member for adult services, has insisted that under the existing arrangements, many elderly people are "being given a false sense of security" and are being provided with sub-standard support.

Mr Lynes is chairman of the Supporting People Commissioning Body in Kent, which is responsible for providing housing support for people in need and has led the consultation.

He said when wardens were on long-term sick leave, residents may end up getting a sub-standard back-up service despite paying for full-time wardens.

"Is this a good use of personal and public funds? Is this not conniving in the provision of poor support?" he told a meeting of county councillors on Thursday.

There was a perception that wardens could be called on round-the-clock despite limits despite legal limits on the hours they could work. "Good wardens operate beyond those limitations but what happens when they are ill or on holiday? What happens with wardens who merely work to contracted hours?"

But the defence has failed to satisfy County Hall's Labour opposition group. Spokesman Cllr Les Christie said that of 920 responses during the consultation, just 11 were in favour.

"This is yet another example of Tory arrogance. They carry out a consultation exercise and because it does not provide the answer they want, they seek to undermine the outcome."

Any changes are expected to come in next year.