Wardens dedicated to individual sheltered housing schemes will not be returning to homes run by Swindon Borough Council.

A report will be considered by members of the authority's Conservative cabinet on Wednesday following a review of the policy which saw site-specific officers replaced by small teams of support workers who cover two complexes between them.

And in a move likely to disappoint some residents who have conducted a vociferous campaign to go back to the previous arrangements, it advocates increasing the number of officers, but not changing the current policy.

The report, which will be presented by member for housing and public safety Cathy Martin, recommends the director of housing Mike Ash to be authorised to “Continue and complete the introduction of service delivery in a cluster team model rather than a dedicated residential sheltered housing officer at the majority of schemes.”

If the members agree, Mr Ash will also be told to hire three more full-time or equivalent sheltered housing officers to bolster the teams.

But residents will have to pay for that, through an increase of £1.50 a week in the service charge for 48 weeks - £72 a year.

Coun Martyn report says: “The delivery of sheltered housing management support has seen significant challenges particularly in the last five years. Changing staff work expectations have resulted in it not being possible to recruit to live in officers or wardens as they are often referred to.

“The service had been operating with a high proportion of temporary and agency staff, which in turn was unsettling for residents. This new model, with the additional recommended changes to service, will create a safe and sustainable delivery model. This in turn will ensure that all schemes have dedicated staff and ensure there is always enough capacity to maintain delivery of support to residents.”

Some residents have been campaigning to have the policy of small teams reversed. Their lobbying and campaigning has been co-ordinated by Acorn Swindon. Group secretary Kate Linnegar said: “The report shows the council understands how worried, lonely and vulnerable people feel, and it shows the council knows the current provision is not working.

“But it doesn’t go far enough. Continuity of care is provided by a dedicated officer for each scheme. I congratulate the campaigners who have forced the council to listen. We want a six-month review of this, it can’t just be forgotten about.

Acorn has called for a protest outside the civic offices before the meeting starts at 6pm on Wednesday. A spokesman said: “It’s important cabinet members hear the voices of residents who have, time and time again, raised concerns that cuts the council is implementing will put already-vulnerable residents at further risk.”