Campaigners threaten legal action over transfer of care homes to private sector

A group campaigning to stop two council-run dementia care homes being transferred to the private sector have threatened legal action against Kirklees Council, accusing the authority of failing to follow a “recognised consultation".

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (11 Feb), councillors reviewed their decision to transfer the council’s two dementia care homes - Claremont House and Castle Grange - and gave the go-ahead for talks to continue with interested independent sector providers.

At the meeting, councillors were presented with additional financial analysis regarding the running of the homes, after their previous decision to transfer the homes was called in to scrutiny.

According to a report by the BBC, solicitors have now contacted the local authority on behalf of impacted families, accusing the council of "failing to follow a recognised consultation" and providing "incomplete financial evidence".

Commenting on the council’s decision, Cllr Tanisha Bramwell, Independent Councillor for Dewsbury West said: “Kirklees Council’s decision to force through the privatisation of Castle Grange in Newsome and Claremont House in Heckmondwike is nothing short of a disgrace. This reckless and cruel move puts profit over people, abandons our most vulnerable residents, and ignores the overwhelming opposition from families, carers, and even councillors across party lines.

“From the start, this plan has been shrouded in secrecy and misinformation. The council claims financial necessity, yet campaigners have exposed that keeping the homes in public hands would actually save around £200,000. Instead of addressing these facts, the council has buried its head in the sand, refusing to engage with valid concerns. Their refusal to provide a full financial breakdown, despite a scrutiny call-in, shows just how little transparency or accountability exists within this administration.”

She added: “Families, residents, and opposition councillors must continue to fight this decision with everything they have. A legal challenge is already being considered, and it must be pursued aggressively. The council should be made to answer, in court if necessary, for its deceit and disregard for public welfare.”

Cllr Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Kirklees Council said: “We know families of the residents in our care homes are understandably worried at this time of change.

“We have continuously highlighted that should a transfer of ownership occur residents will not be required to move out of the place they call home. This will allow continuity of care which is what families have been most concerned about."

She added: “Talks with interested providers will resume to try to reach a final decision on a transfer. And, as before, we have provided reassurances to families that discussions are only taking place with those providers who are interested in keeping both establishments as dementia care homes.

“Like other councils across the country, we are faced with increasing demands for adult social care meaning we must look at how we can make the best of the limited resources available to us. This means identifying a good quality, experienced provider to take over the running of our two dementia residential homes.”

Lottie Winson