Leeds closure plans leads to opportunities…but at what cost?

A number of care homes and daycare centres currently owned and operated by Leeds city council have been approved for closure after the authority passed plans designed to make significant savings to is social care spend. However, while the council claims that this will open the door for independent providers to increase their presence – a parallel council effort is seeking to reduce the fee levels it will pay for care beds. Leeds city councillors last month agreed to the closure of residential care homes Kirkland House, Westholme and Grange Court – though is yet to confirm dates – while they also confirming that Spring Gardens and Knowle Manor will close, but not before replacement capacity is built in the Morley and Otley areas of the city. The council is currently in talks with a private sector provider regarding possible new developments but is remaining tight lipped as to who this is.