Reform UK-led Derbyshire council plans to close eight care homes after proposed sale falls through
Reform UK-led Derbyshire county council has announced plans to close eight residential care homes after a proposed sale of the homes fell through. The announcement was made just days before Christmas. These closures reflect similar plans by Reform-led Lancashire to close five care homes and five day centres, moving residents to the private sector.
The GMB regional organiser Mick Coppin warned that the closures could risk more than 200 jobs and described the plan as a betrayal of local people and staff. Labour MP Linsey Farnsworth raised the issue at Prime Minister's Questions, where Keir Starmer criticized the closures and noted additional government funding of £3.7 billion for councils' social care.
Derbyshire council stated that negotiations with a provider to take over the eight care homes as a going concern were intensive but ultimately unsuccessful. Due to commercial sensitivities, details of these negotiations could not be disclosed. Reform councillor and cabinet member for adult care, Joss Barnes, expressed devastation at the outcome and apologized, confirming the council will support residents to find new homes.
The decision to sell the homes was originally taken in November 2024 when the council was under Conservative control.
