In a move that has sparked outrage and concern, the Reform UK-led Derbyshire County Council has announced the closure of eight of its residential care homes, just days before Christmas. The announcement comes after a proposed sale of the homes fell through, leaving residents, their families, and dedicated care workers facing an uncertain future.
The decision has been widely condemned as “a betrayal of local people” by Mick Coppin, a regional organiser of the GMB union. Coppin warned that the closures put vital services and more than 200 jobs at risk, stating that the council did not campaign on a platform of shutting down care homes.
Labour MP for Amber Valley, Linsey Farnsworth, raised the issue in Prime Minister’s Questions, expressing the heartbreak felt by families and staff. In response, Labour leader Keir Starmer described the situation as “deeply concerning” and called for a rethink, noting the £3.7 billion in extra funding available to councils for social care.
Jo Barnes, the Reform councillor and cabinet member for adult care, acknowledged the devastating impact of the news, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Barnes said the council had done “absolutely everything” to progress the sale of the homes, but the negotiations ultimately proved unsuccessful.
The decision to sell the homes was originally made in November 2024, when the council was under Conservative control. Now, the Reform UK-led council is facing a backlash from the community, with concerns that the closures will leave vulnerable residents and their families in a precarious situation.
As the council works to support residents in finding new homes, the future of these vital care services hangs in the balance, leaving a sense of heartbreak and betrayal among those who rely on them.
