Decision on homes for older people

A decision has been made to close seven of our care homes, which need major refurbishment to bring them up to modern care standards.

The decision follows a public consultation on future options for the homes which need significant repairs including replacing boilers, heating systems, refitting all kitchens and bathrooms, roofing works and installing sprinkler systems.

Each home would also need completely rewiring by September 2022, which would mean residents would have to move out for up to 40 weeks.

Even if all the repairs, costing around £31m, were carried out, the homes are no longer fit for purpose, don't have the space to use essential equipment, and can't be adapted to provide high-quality care to older people with increasingly complex needs.

We'll support residents to move to local, suitable and reasonable alternatives for their care or alternative accommodation of their choice.

And we'll consult staff and trade unions to support employees to find suitable alternative roles to minimise redundancies