Derbyshire County Council Confirms Care Home Closures Amid Strong Opposition

Councillors have given their approval to a plan to close eight care homes operated by the authority and five dementia day centres, despite significant opposition. The Conservative-controlled Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet members reached this decision during a meeting held on Thursday at County Hall in Matlock. The move is intended to achieve cost savings and to restructure the care services offered by the council. Prior to the meeting, dozens of individuals participated in a protest, and some attendees vocalized “shame” when the vote was concluded. Dave Ratchford, who serves as the East Midlands regional organiser for the Unison union, informed the BBC that “These are cuts to vital services for the people of Derbyshire… we’ve heard the most horrendous, heartbreaking stories.” The planned closures have drawn criticism from Derbyshire MPs, opposition councillors, and numerous individuals whose relatives utilize these services. Conversely, the authority stated that a decrease in demand for residential homes has occurred, with more individuals opting to stay in their own homes. Additionally, the council cited a necessity to “focus resources on providing care for people with dementia.” Furthermore, the council is addressing overspending within its social care departments and is preparing to implement £30 million in reductions to achieve financial balance. Opponents of the proposal have argued that this action will ultimately result in higher long-term costs for the council, a concern shared by those employed in the voluntary sector. Joan Dixon, leader of Labour’s opposition group, commented that the council “effectively moving away from the care home market” would “encourage private operators to increase prices.” Mr. Ratchford, representing Unison, stated that the closures and subsequent sale of these homes are expected to have a “detrimental impact” on both service users and staff. The council has indicated that it is among the few remaining local authorities nationwide that own and operate a substantial number of residential care facilities. The council further noted the existence of sufficient specialist care home provisions across the county, offering high-quality care. It also suggested that “many, if not all, of the homes” currently managed by the council might be transferred to private operators. Natalie Hoy, the cabinet member for adult care at the council, explained that the service required redesigning because of insufficient demand for residential care. She informed the BBC that the council has received “significant interest” from the private sector regarding taking over the operation of these homes, with many offering dual registration for both nursing and residential care. The care homes listed below are scheduled for closure and sale: Bennerley Fields in Cotmanhay is slated for repurposing to be utilized solely for community support beds. Additionally, the following dementia day centres are scheduled for closure: The following facilities are set to remain operational: Although these will remain open, an additional consultation will take place concerning the future function of: For updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.