Could I publicly thank all the care home owners who completed my recent survey into the threat to care home beds in the borough.

As you reported, over half of our local care beds could be at risk of closure. And the nationwide picture is even worse 70 per cent of care home owners have considered closing. Since sending out the survey, the Government has published plans which could make the situation even worse.

Inadequate funding already threatens care homes. Now the government propose to fine councils if they cannot provide care beds for elderly hospital patients waiting to be discharged.

Councillor Rolson Davies

Executive member for health and community

July 18, 2002 15:30