A plan to transfer two council-run dementia care homes in Kirklees to private ownership must be reversed, says UNISON.
Claremont House In Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome both provide permanent and respite care for up to 40 people.
Kirklees Council announced earlier this year both would be switched to private providers, despite opposition from some councillors and families of service users, says UNISON.
Now campaigners have applied to the High Court for a judicial review to examine the legality of the proposals.
The authority says the decision was reached “through a long process of evaluation, engagement and public scrutiny”.
But campaigners say there isn’t evidence to support the council’s claim the decision has been made for financial reasons.
UNISON says the council should reconsider, rather than pump money into a legal battle.
UNISON Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue said: “The strength of feeling for keeping these specialist care homes in council control is clear to see.
“The prospect of privatising them has already caused huge emotional distress for families of residents, and they’ve shown they’re willing to take legal action for the sake of their loved ones.
“The council would be much better off using its finances to keep such vital community services under public control, than funding a legal battle to privatise them.”
Notes:
– Families have made the application to the High Court through law firm Irwin Mitchell. More information is available here.
