Labour county councillors are calling for a Full Council meeting to be held to review the decision to close seven care homes across Derbyshire by September. 

Goyt Valley House in New Mills is among the facilities set to close, following a meeting of Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet on Thursday (5 May).

A report presented to the meeting stated that even if repairs costing £31 million were carried out the seven care homes are not fit for purpose. 

The existing facilities do not have space for essential equipment and cannot be adapted to provide high-quality care to older people with increasingly complex needs.  

Cabinet also heard that Covid-19 had accelerated a reduction in demand for care home places with more people preferring to remain independent at home with support from the council. 

Councillor Natalie Hoy, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said it had been an “incredibly difficult decision” and their priority has always been the safety and well-being of our residents, their families, and staff. 

Cllr Hoy said: “I’d like to reassure residents and their families that we will fully support them to find local, suitable alternatives which are close to their loved ones and friends.” 

“Our staff will make sure the moves go smoothly to alleviate distress to residents and make sure they have everything they needed to make them comfortable in their new accommodation.  

“In supporting residents to find alternative accommodation, we will provide financial support to them and their families if required as well as paying travel expenses to enable them to continue to visit their loved ones.” 

Cllr Hoy said the council value the commitment and expertise of their staff and wherever possible will seek to find alternative employment for them within the council. 

However, the decision to close the seven care homes has been slammed by the Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Joan Dixon. 

Derbyshire Labour and trade union GMB have been campaigning to keep the care homes open 

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, she said: “Today’s decision flies in the face of the Conservative Manifesto promise not to close any homes without providing a new modern replacement. 

“It is also contrary to everything that was said in the consultation, but the County Council have chosen to ignore the wishes of the residents of these homes, their families, and people across Derbyshire. 

“That is why I and Labour councillors have today requisitioned a Full Council meeting to review the decision.   

“The meeting will need to take place in the next couple of weeks and every councillor will have a vote on whether they will keep their manifesto pledge to their voters not to close these homes without another facility to replace it. 

“Many elderly residents and their families feel misled and now face an uncertain future.” 

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