Kirklees Budget: Dementia Care Homes Face Transfer, Campaigners Plea

Tonight, local leaders meet at Huddersfield Town Hall. They will agree on the budget for the next year. Labour’s plan involves transferring two care homes, namely Castle Grange and Claremont House. Private companies would then run them. The council cabinet already approved the transfer and now council members must vote on the budget. It needs a majority of all sixty-nine members to pass.

Save Our Dementia Care Homes is very concerned because their loved ones live in these homes. They worry about the council’s cost calculations, noting that the council used an average cost from fifty-seven homes. This average is £853 per person each week, but activists say this is a flawed method.

Activists claim specialist dementia care costs more, estimating £1,200 to £1,600 weekly. This is based on averages from six care providers, who say cheaper homes cut staff and resources. They fear this cost-cutting will happen locally, which would be bad for their loved ones.

The group says the council miscalculated costs, claiming the council shifts costs, it does not save money. Private providers want profit, not public service.

The group urges leaders to reject the budget, arguing that it has no real basis and presents a chance to stop a decision based on false numbers. They want transparency and real cost of care.

Labour leaders say it is a budget of hope, while the council claims its figures are correct. A council member states that families worry during change, but promised that residents will not have to move. This keeps their care consistent.

The council will talk to potential providers, seeking firms that will keep the homes for dementia care. The council faces rising social care needs and must use limited resources wisely; therefore they need a good provider to run the homes.