Church homes’ bail out sparks anger

Private care home owners have reacted angrily to reports that local
authorities may be about to bail out struggling Church of Scotland
homes.

Scottish Care, which represents more than 800 private care homes,
called for “even-handedness” in any support offered to
providers.

Joe Campbell, Scottish Care chief executive, said the 24,000 older
people looked after in the homes run by Scottish Care members were
in a more serious situation.

The row follows a long-running dispute over fees. New talks between
Scottish Care, local authorities and the Scottish executive will
begin on 23 May to work out the cost of care and devise a formula
to meet it.