Audit Commission to look at Kent care home closures

Eleven of the 16 care homes run by KCC are affected

The consultation process over plans by Kent County Council to close or sell off care homes for the elderly has been referred to the Audit Commission.

Cabinet members approved the plans, but residents and their families described the public consultation as a sham.

Chairman of the cabinet scrutiny committee, councillor Trudy Dean, said she also had concerns about the way alternative proposals were assessed.

The council said it would co-operate with the Audit Commission.

The authority said it was confident its consultation had been well-run.

'Worse care'

It added that the views of people across the county were collected at more than 80 meetings, as well as letters, petitions and emails.

Campaigners are fighting to save 11 care homes which face either being closed, merged with other homes, or being sold to the private sector.

They said they may challenge the decision in court, saying the consultation process had not been properly handled.

Kent County Council said the move would save it about £2m, but some residents' relatives fear it could lead to worse care.

Five other care homes run by Kent County Council are unaffected by the plans.