Public Outcry As 9,000 Petition Against Leicestershire Care Homes Sale

More than 9,000 people have registered their anger at plans to sell off six care homes. A public consultation on Leicestershire County Council’s plans ends on Monday.

Protestors hope the strength of opposition will force the authority to rethink the proposal.

Council chiefs said they would make the “difficult decision” to transfer six homes to the private sector if it was for the good of Leicestershire.

Trade union Unison has collected a 3,600 strong list of objectors while another petition with 1,000 signatures will be handed to the council on Monday. A further petition opposing the plans in Lutterworth has been signed by 4,600 people.

Coun David Sprason, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “You have to be able to make the tough decisions, even in the face of public outcry – it is just part of the job.

“We have made it clear that we see this as a way of improving the services we offer. We value the public’s involvement in this consultation. It is not a foregone conclusion.”

In August, cabinet members backed plans to transfer six of the council’s 10 care homes to private businesses; Catherine Dalley House, in Melton, Hadrian House, in Thurmaston, Huntingdon Court, in Loughborough, Harvey House, in Barwell, Kirby House, in Kirby Muxloe and Woodmarket House, in Lutterworth.

The remaining – Lenthall House, Market Harborough; Curtis Weston House, Wigston; The Limes, Hinckley, and Tillson House, Coalville – would provide specialist support, such as dementia care. A decision will be made next month.