WEST Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox last week attended a rally at the Houses of Parliament for elderly residents of sheltered accommodation, who were protesting against the withdrawal of resident wardens from their homes.

Non resident wardens are being introduced following changes in funding, who are known as floating support.

However, Mr Cox believes that permanent resident wardens are necessary to give the elderly and vulnerable the security they need.

The charities Age Concern and Help the Aged also believe there is a lack of care for the vulnerable.

Mr Cox said: 'According to Sheltered Housing UK, floating support is not the same thing as a warden; they do not visit people in sheltered housing unless "on their list". Once a problem is rectified, that person is taken off the list.

'I feel very strongly that the proposed floating support scheme will not meet the needs of many of the elderly living in sheltered housing, resulting in a detrimental effect on the welfare of residents.'