Lancashire`s care home plans face judicial review

Lancashire Care Association and 11 care home residents have been
granted permission to seek a judicial review of Lancashire
council’s plans for the future services for older and
vulnerable people.

The challenge is based on the level of care home fees set by the
council, and the decision to reduce the number of residential
placements.

The council’s decision to close 32 residential care homes on a
phased basis has also been challenged, but further discussions are
to take place to see if half of them can be used to provide
non-residential services for older people.

In addition, 13 homes are to be refurbished, three homes are to
be brought in line with new care standards and retained for at
least four years, and a new 60-bed home is to be built.

The council’s cabinet has endorsed the proposals, which
were drawn up following a six-month consultation. The council will
take a final decision on the proposals on 26 September.