Decision to be made on plans for two council-run care homes to be privatised in Kirklees
A decision is to be made today, about whether talks to privatise two council-run care homes in Kirklees can continue
A decision will be made today, about whether to continue with plans for two council-run care homes to be privatised in Kirklees
Castle Grange and Claremont House faced closure at the start of the year due to a shortfall in the council's budget, but following a campaign from families, the homes were saved.
However, now the council is looking to privatise them.
Sarah Blagbrough is from the Save Our Kirklees Dementia Homes campaign group, her mum lives at one of the homes and she fears the decision could mean moving her elsewhere.
She said: "We are back here again, fighting for our loved ones, less than six months after the decision to keep the homes Open.
"Although they are saying the homes will remain open, it's extremely unclear as to how long they would remain a dementia care homes, if they would remain a dementia care homes.
Councillor Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “We appreciate the interest of service users, their families, and staff in the proposals regarding the future of Claremont House and Castle Grange.
"Today (8 October) we will present an update on the talks being held with independent sector care providers on a potential transfer of ownership that would mean that both homes would remain open and offer continuity for residents through another experienced care provider employing the staff and running the homes.
“The council’s financial challenges are increasing, and we have been clear from the outset that we would like to consider options which bring savings to the Council with minimal disruption to residents and their families. The report to cabinet and the move to transfer the homes to the independent sector is a direct response to the consultation with families earlier this year who did not want their loved ones to have to move care homes.”