Care homes sale approved in Nottinghamshire

The sale of 12 care homes to the private sector has been approved by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The homes will go on sale in September and the process is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.

Some residents and relatives have protested against the plans, fearing a decline in standards of care.

There will also be a four-week consultation over plans to close Beauvale Court in Eastwood, which has six residents and needs £3m in repairs.

'Unique' services

The council said any homes which were unsold would be kept open and the quality of care would be monitored.

Officials have also insisted any savings made through the sale would be reinvested in care for older people.

Residents have been told they will not have to move for at least three years.

Conservative MP for Broxtowe Anna Soubry has been campaigning to save the Bramwell care home in Broxtowe, which treats people with dementia and cancer.

"There are many of us who think it is unique within the country, let alone the county, and so many of the people who work there work for the NHS - they don't work for the county council.

"They provide facilities and services there which are exactly the facilities and services I know the county council want to provide to more people."

The council is considering handing over a number of services, including catering and highways, to the private sector as a way of saving £120m over the next four years.