Plans by a Reform UK-led council to close eight residential care homes in Derbyshire have sparked political backlash and union anger, with critics warning the move puts vulnerable residents and hundreds of jobs at risk.
Derbyshire County Council confirmed just days before Christmas that the homes would shut after talks to sell them to a private provider collapsed, triggering accusations of a betrayal of local communities.
Care home closures confirmed
The eight council-run care homes are set to close after what the authority described as intensive but ultimately unsuccessful negotiations to transfer them to another operator.
The council said it had hoped to sell the homes as a going concern, allowing services to continue without disruption, but the proposed deal fell through.
The announcement has caused widespread distress among residents, families and staff, many of whom say they were given little warning.
Union warns of job losses
The GMB union said more than 200 jobs could be lost if the closures go ahead.
Mick Coppin, a regional organiser for the union, described the plans as a betrayal and accused the council of abandoning vulnerable people.
He said residents, their families and care workers are facing huge anxiety about their future, particularly at a time of year when reassurance and stability matter most.
Political row intensifies
The decision has drawn comparisons with a similar controversy in Lancashire, where a Reform UK-led council is planning to close five care homes and five day centres, moving residents into private provision.
Opposition politicians argue the pattern raises serious concerns about Reform UK’s approach to adult social care.
The issue was raised in Parliament last week by Linsey Farnsworth, the Labour MP for Amber Valley, who said families and staff were heartbroken and urged ministers to intervene.
Prime minister responds
Responding at Prime Minister’s Questions, Keir Starmer said the closures were deeply concerning.
He said the loss of eight care homes would be hugely worrying for residents and their families, particularly at a time when the government is increasing support for local authorities.
Starmer pointed to £3.7bn in additional funding being made available to councils to help fund adult social care services across England.
Council defends decision
Derbyshire County Council said it had explored every possible option to keep the homes open.
Joss Barnes, a Reform UK councillor and cabinet member for adult care, said he was devastated that the negotiations had failed.
He said the outcome was extremely upsetting for residents, families and staff, especially in the run-up to Christmas, and apologised for the distress caused.
Barnes said commercial sensitivities prevented the council from sharing further details about the failed talks but insisted every effort had been made to progress the sale.
Support promised for residents
The council said it would now work closely with residents and their families to help them find alternative care placements.
Officials said support plans would be put in place to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of care during the transition.
However, campaigners and unions say moving elderly residents risks damaging their health and wellbeing.
Decision rooted in earlier policy
The plan to sell the eight care homes was originally agreed in November 2024, when Derbyshire County Council was under Conservative control.
Reform UK took control of the council after local elections earlier this year, inheriting the decision but now facing responsibility for its implementation.
Growing pressure on social care
The controversy comes amid wider pressures on adult social care across the UK, with councils struggling to balance rising demand, workforce shortages and tight budgets.
Charities and unions warn that shifting residents into private provision often increases costs for families and reduces local accountability.
Campaigners are calling on Derbyshire’s leadership to pause the closures and explore alternatives, including retaining council-run provision or reopening talks with providers.
