Delays In Building Care Homes

A COUNCIL is having to re-think plans for five new care homes for the elderly because of doubts over the cost.

Highland Council says the homes will go ahead but admits the cost has been significantly underestimated.

In 2006 the Independent-controlled authority voted to sell off the care homes to the private sector. It said it could not afford to improve facilities to meet the demands of the Care Commission and the Disability Discrimination Act.

Last year a new SNP-Independent coalition administration overturned the decision and decided to spend £21.5 million to build and run the homes itself.

A new coalition of Independent, Liberal Democrats and Labour has since taken over. The new council leader, Dr Michael Foxley, says it is unlikely that the five care homes could be built over four years for the money

Homes in Inverness, Fort William and Muir of Ord are expected to start construction in 2010, with others in Tain and Grantown later.