Major council care home sell-off scrapped by Reform

Plans for a major sell-off of local authority care homes have been pulled after a review found it was "not in the best interests" of the council.

Norfolk County Council had planned to sell 20 homes to another operator along with the council-owned company that ran them, Norse Care.

The proposal caused concern among opposition groups at the Reform UK-led council, who worried fees could increase. Following a rethink, it has now been withdrawn.

Nick Taylor, Reform's cabinet member for commercial assets, said they no longer thought it was the "best deal on the table" and that alternative options were now being considered.

Several of the care homes are located in and around Norwich and most of the other major towns in Norfolk.

A council spokesperson added that senior officers were exploring "more locally focused" solutions.

Norse Care is owned by Norse Group, which is a firm owned by the council, but run independently.

It manages a portfolio of 17 care homes across Norfolk and owns three others which are closed.

In March this year, Norse Care's contract to run the homes was due to end and a review began.

Under the previous Conservative administration, which lost control of the council in the May local government elections, it was decided to sell the service and care homes to Stow Healthcare, a firm based in East Anglia which is part of an international care company.

Following the decision to scrap the sale, Norse Care will continue to manage the council's care services.

Scott Hussey, Reform's cabinet member for adult social care, added: "I want to reassure everyone connected with Norse Care that services will continue as normal while we work with officers to find the right long-term solution for Norfolk."

Kay Mason Billig, former Conservative leader of the council, claimed the council was "losing millions" running the homes and called for more clarity over what happens next and the costs involved with pulling the deal.

"There isn't the money to spend updating them [the care homes]," she said.

"That was why a provider was sought who could and would, under contract, protect staff, residents and ensure the continuation of these homes."

Maxine Webb, leader of the Green group, criticised how the sale negotiations had taken place "behind closed doors".

"Norfolk people had no say or knowledge over what it meant for them," she said.

"Something as crucial as people's care should never be treated so ruthlessly or sold off for private profit."

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group said: "This is something worth celebrating, but it cannot be the end of the story.

"These homes need investment and a secure, sustainable future. Residents and their families deserve certainty, while the dedicated staff who care for them deserve our support."

Stow Healthcare has been approached for comment.

The 20 care homes that were proposed to be sold are:

• Beauchamp House, near Loddon
• Bishop Herbert House, Norwich
• Burman House (closed), near King's Lynn
• Cranmer House, Fakenham
• Ellacombe, near Norwich
• Harker House, Long Stratton
• High Haven, Downham Market
• Linden Court (closed), Watton
• Lydia Eva Court, Gorleston
• Mayflower Court, Norwich
• Mountfield, Norwich
• Munhaven, Mundesley
• Rebecca Court, Heacham
• Rose Meadow, North Walsham
• Springdale (closed), Brundall
• St Edmunds, Attleborough
• St Nicholas House, Dereham
• Sydney House, Stalham
• Westfields, Swaffham
• Woodlands, King's Lynn

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