Care homes ‘should go private’

Devon County Council has said that private health companies and voluntary groups should take over the running of its care services such as its residential homes Kenwyn in Ashburton and Daw Vale in Dawlish.

Faced with an ageing population and predicted care bill of more than £30 billion by 2026, it says the change would result in residents receiving 'better value for money, greater choice and more consistent services'. The council already commissions 90 per cent of its long term residential care for older people and 70 per cent of its home care from other organisations, as it does 40 per cent of its day care. On Tuesday the council's senior committee, the executive, is expected to consider the proposal from senior officers to hand over the rest. Council leader, Cllr Brian Greenslade, said there was a 'staggering' gap of £1.77 billion between the projected cost of care in the coming year and the funds available. 'People are living longer and in Devon the number of older people is growing faster than elsewhere in the country,' he said. 'This is why the council needs to look at how it can change to ensure high quality services can be delivered in future.' The council's head of adult social services, Cllr John Rawlison, commented: 'We have a responsibility to the people of Devon to make sure that every tax pound is spent where it will do the most good, and that means investing in front line services, and in further reducing our administrative costs.' He said the government had delivered a 'harsh blow' to the county with a financial settlement that had left a £15 million 'black hole' in the county's purse. Director of social services, David Johnstone, acknowledged that the county was facing 'some very difficult challenges' and savings had to be made that would affect 'middle and senior managers' among whom 20 jobs could be lost. Reductions are also expected elsewhere and a private company is being called in to run the community meals service. He said 'front line staff services' would be protected' and improved in line with 'modernisation aims'. Formal talks with unions are taking place and the council is consulting social services staff affected by the proposal.