The future of Goyt Valley House in New Mills and six other Derbyshire County Council residential care homes is again in doubt. 

A meeting of the Council’s cabinet will be asked to consider consulting on a number of options, including the closure of the homes which need significant maintenance, renovation, and refurbishment. 

Even if the repairs costing £30 million were carried out, the homes are said to no longer be fit for purpose and do not have the space, facilities, or capability to be adapted to provide high quality care for older people with increasingly complex needs.  

Councillor Natalie Hoy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “I understand that these proposals will be concerning but doing nothing isn’t an option and whatever the decision we will fully support our residents, their families and our staff throughout.” 

Referring to the proposed consultation, she said: “I’d like to reassure everyone that we would keep an open mind and if any other options were put forward during the consultation for a viable future for these homes, then we would of course give full consideration to these too.” 

The options councillors are being asked to agree to consult on are: 

• Rewire and carry out major works to refurbish the homes including installing boiler and heating systems, replacing bathrooms and kitchens, removal of any asbestos, the fitting of sprinklers and redecoration. This option would require residents to move out for up to 40 weeks. 

• Close the homes and support residents to move to other local, suitable alternative provision 

• Close the homes and support residents to move to any available suitable alternative provision. 

The Council report says the pandemic has accelerated a reduction in demand for care home places with people choosing to remain living independently for longer. 

Following a previous consultation just before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cabinet agreed not to close any of its homes at that time unless alternative provision was available. The report says there are enough suitable alternative places for current residents. 

There are currently 68 long-term residents in the seven care homes, supported by 240 staff. 

High Peak MP Robert Largan, who campaigned against the closure of Goyt Valley House, said: “My view has not changed. I have seen first-hand the fantastic care that residents receive from its incredibly dedicated staff. I have heard testimonies from relatives and residents about just how important the care home is to them and their local community. 

“I will be campaigning to ensure Derbyshire County Council keep their commitment that no Derbyshire care home will close without new world class local provision to replace it. I urge everyone to respond to the consultation.” 

New Mills County Councillor Anne Clarke said: “Our care homes are desperately needed and every single one the arguments used previously stands exactly the same for today! The wonderful staff, the residents and our community should not be having to go through this again!  

“I and the rest of the Labour Group will be fighting for Goyt Valley House and the other Derbyshire Council run homes.” 

If the DCC Cabinet agrees the consultation proposals, Derbyshire residents would have 12 weeks to give their views from 22 November. 

Direct consultation would be carried out with residents, relatives and staff and the public would also be able to fill in the consultation online or request a paper questionnaire to fill in and return by post. 

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