Northampton Labour representatives 'deeply disappointed' by plans to close care homes

Labour representatives have hit out at plans to close Northampton’s last two council-run care homes.

Northampton North MP Lucy Rigby and Leader of West Northamptonshire Labour Group Sally Keeble say they are ‘deeply disappointed’ West Northamptonshire Council will close Southfields House and Obelisk House.

It comes just days after the Reform-led authority’s cabinet approved plans to shut the care homes and a supported living facility.

In a joint statement Ms Rigby and Cllr Keeble said: “These are Northampton's last two council-run residential care homes, and nearly nine in ten people who responded to the consultations on each home opposed closure.

“We believe more could be done to explore alternatives to closure, and we are not reassured that suitable alternative care arrangements have been identified for residents.

“These are people's homes, and residents, families and staff deserve certainty about their futures.

“We oppose West Northamptonshire Council's decision to close Southfields House and Obelisk House, and are deeply disappointed that the council has chosen to proceed.”

The pair are calling on those affected to get in touch.

They said: “We will be working together, alongside local families and representatives, to get further answers and information.

“If you or your family are affected, please get in touch with either of our offices. People have already contacted us to express their concerns about the impact on residents, their families and the dedicated staff who care for them.”

Other plans decided by WNC at the cabinet meeting include changes to council-run day services. It will see closure of council-ran social and leisure services at Longlands in Daventry and The Forum in Towcester, along with stopping day-activities at Olympus House.

Specialist day services will instead be delivered from Gladstone Road, which will remain open as the council’s location for day services. The Live Community and Enablement Service, which provides support for adults with learning disabilities, will continue from No. 2 Abington Park Cottages. 

Cllr Laura Couse, spokeswoman for adult care and public health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We recognise this is a difficult and a deeply sensitive decision, which cabinet has considered very carefully and made in the best interests of those who use these services now and in the future. Our focus is on making sure people can access the right care and support, in the right setting, both now and in the future. We know this news will be worrying for some residents and families, and our priority now is to work closely with every person affected to make sure they receive the support, information and reassurance they need.

“There is now a greater focus on supporting people to live independently for as long as possible and demand for support for people with the most complex needs continues to grow. A review of current services has shown the residential services do not meet modern standards for care environments and would require substantial and lengthy refurbishments to bring them up to standard.

“These changes will be carefully managed and based on individual needs. We will continue to listen to residents and families, involve them in decisions about their future care, and support them every step of the way.”