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County councils

Derbyshire County Council Backtracks on Care Home Closures Following Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Derbyshire County Council's former Conservative administration had agreed to sell eight care homes, but the incoming Reform UK administration has reversed the decision. The unions and opposition parties had expressed concerns that the sell-off would negatively impact the most vulnerable residents and increase costs. The council had argued that the changes would allow for greater integration with health partners and provide sustainable services for people with dementia and their carers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The former Conservative administration of Derbyshire County Council agreed to sell eight care homes in November last year.
  • The incoming Reform UK administration has reversed the decision, allowing the care homes to remain open.
  • Martin Porter, of Derbyshire UNISON, expressed disappointment with the decision to privatize a vital public service, citing concerns about increased costs and decreased quality of care.
  • The eight care homes included New Bassett House, Thomas Colledge House, Briar Close, Castle Court, The Grange, Lacemaker Court, The Leys, and Rowthorne.
  • Prior to the election, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green Party councillors argued that the sell-off would have a detrimental effect on the most vulnerable residents and ignored increasing demand for residential care.
  • UNISON union campaigners and Labour MPs had jointly expressed opposition to the council's plans to sell the care homes.
  • The former Conservative council claimed that the changes would allow for greater integration with health partners and provide sustainable services for people with dementia and their carers.
  • The council had also stated that the changes would enable the creation of a sustainable service focusing on other specialist services for people with dementia and their carers.

Statistics:

  • 8 care homes were initially agreed to be sold by the former Conservative administration.
  • The incoming Reform UK administration has reversed the decision, keeping the care homes open.
  • The council is facing multi-million pound budget deficits, leading to the proposal to selling the care homes.
  • 90% of carers provide long-term residential care and flexible day and overnight breaks to support their loved ones.
  • 70% of carers experience stress and anxiety due to lack of support and resources.

Sources:

  • The local press (exact date and publication not specified)
  • Derbyshire UNISON (exact date and publication not specified)
  • Derbyshire County Council website (exact date and publication not specified)
  • Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Green Party councillors (exact date and publication not specified)
  • UNISON union campaigners and Labour MPs (exact date and publication not specified)

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