Conservative-run council hands all care homes to private firm

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

Tuesday 10th July 2012 - 10:44am

A Conservative-run council has tranferred all of its care homes and staff to a private firm who will invest an additional £360,000 in each to improve and modernise the facilities.

Warwickshire County Council said the move was "driven by demographic and budgetary pressures", along with changes in the way that older people are choosing to live in later life.

The eight care homes - which have been transferred to Essex-based Runwood Homes - account for around 13% of the older people’s care homes in Warwickshire. The council already commissions a large proportion of residential care from the external market.

According to its website, Runwood provides "privately funded services whilst also working in close partnership with public social and healthcare organisations".

Under the agreement, Runwood will take full ownership of the council’s eight care homes with residents continuing their placements as before, and staff currently employed by the council transferring under TUPE regulations.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care at Warwickshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure a future for the homes with Runwood, who have a strong track record in providing high quality care.

“The wellbeing of residents is our main priority and we are pleased that older people will continue to be served in their local communities by our dedicated staff. Throughout the process there was no doubt that there is overwhelming support for the service that our care home staff provide and I would like to thank them for their professionalism and support.”

Gordon Sanders, Chief Executive of Runwood Homes, said: “I am delighted that it has been confirmed that Runwood Homes will be working in partnership with Warwickshire County Council in the future. The county council homes have an excellent reputation and I am confident that the commitment to high standards will continue after transfer. The valuable skill and experience of the existing staff will be retained as they will transfer to Runwood Homes and deliver the same care.

He added: “In addition Runwood Homes have pledged to invest an additional £360,000 in each home to improve and modernise the facilities as well as to increase the capacity by building additional beds. We want to ensure that the homes are best placed to meet the care needs of the people of Warwickshire.”

The county council started a consultation on the future of its residential care homes in July 2010 and following a "rigorous" tendering process, Runwood Homes was selected as the preferred bidder.

The council says it has included a requirement in the contract to ensure that the sites continue to be used for the long-term care and support of older people.

All eight of the county council care homes will be transferred. They include: