Council announce Nottinghamshire care homes sale plan

Nottinghamshire County Council has announced plans to put its care homes up for sale later this year.

It wants to put 12 homes on the market in September as part of its aim to save £85m over the next three years.

If approved, the sale process is expected to take between 12 to 18 months which will mean the earliest they will be sold is September 2011.

The council has yet to reach a decision on the fate of Beauvale Care Home in Eastwood.

The building, which has six longterm residents, is in need of refurbishment, which could make it difficult to sell, the council said.

Options being considered are to rebuild, close or attempt to sell the home.

Councillor Kevin Rostance, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: "We will look for suitable organisations to buy the homes who are committed to providing long term quality care.

"The residents should not see any change to their care, as they will be looked after in the same home by the same staff.

"Those people who are currently funded by the county council will also continue to receive this support.

"If the homes are sold, we will use the money to invest in other services for older people in Nottinghamshire."

The council's cabinet is meeting to discuss the proposal on 14 July.