Fury as Labour council moves to privatise dementia care homes in public service cuts

A Labour-run council in Yorkshire is trying to privatise two dementia care homes, sparking furious backlash and a legal battle. Despite opposition from families and councillors, Kirklees Council said Claremont House in Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome would become private providers. It said the announcement followed "a long process of evaluation, engagement and public scrutiny".

The decision was said to have been made for financial reasons, though campaigners claimed there is not sufficient evidence to back this up. The case could now go to the High Court after law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the families of care home residents, applied for a judicial review. Rebecca Chapman, human rights lawyer representing the campaigners, warned of the "significant impact" of privatisation. She said lawyers wrote to the council to object, but it nonetheless went ahead with the plans.

She told the BBC: "Local authority-run care homes provide vital care and support to a number of people, particularly those living with dementia.

"Many of those affected by the planned business transfer of Claremont House and Castle Grange have voiced their anger and disappointment at how they feel the council has acted throughout the process.

"We've heard first-hand accounts from families who say the decision will have a significant impact on their loved ones ... We've therefore now applied for a judicial review."

In 2024, the council tried to shut down the care homes to make almost £47 million in budget savings, but campaigners fought them off. Councillors then decided to privatise them, which was confirmed in a February meeting.

Adrian Pygott's 90-year-old mother Brenda has been a resident of Castle Grange for seven years. He warned that privatisation would have "grave consequences" as Brenda's care is disrupted by privatisation.

He told the outlet: "My mother has high emotional needs and can become upset and distressed at the slightest change in her routine. She also has a range of complex physical needs.

"The care provided by the staff at Castle Grange is exemplary and I'm greatly concerned at the thought of this being taken away from her or, even worse, her having to move homes."

Kirklees Council maintained that it "prioritised the quality of care for residents".

It said: "The decision is now subject to legal proceedings and it would be inappropriate to comment further, or explore alternative options, until we know the outcome of that process."