Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council slammed over plans to hike pensioner's care home charges by up to 50%

Labour group leader Cllr Sally Keeble has criticised proposals by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) that could see charges rise by up to 50 per cent for some residents in council-run care homes.

Consultation letters were sent out last year outlining plans to increase fees for people who pay for their own care at the three residential care homes operated by the council.

At present, self-funding residents at the homes pay either £605 or £750 a week, depending on when they entered care. Under the proposals, these standard rates would rise to £938.90 a week from the start of 2026.

The council operates three in-house residential care homes for older adults, providing a total of 139 beds. The homes affected are Longlands, which has 51 beds, Obelisk House with 44 beds, and Southfields House, also with 44 beds.

Councillor Keeble said the proposed increases would place a ‘significant financial burden’ on families.

She said: “These are eye-watering increases in charges for people. For families who are clubbing together to pay for residential care for their relatives, this is a huge hit on their family finances.

“Many people don’t qualify for help with the residential care costs, but don’t have the kind of money to pay £938.90 a week. The Council should not be profiteering out of some of its most vulnerable residents. It should also provide time for people to work out their care arrangements and how to finance them.

“The Council must have a rethink about these punitive charges. They are planning these increases at the same time as raising council tax by the full amount contrary to their pledges.”

WNC said the proposed changes are aimed at ‘ensuring fairness and long-term sustainability’ across its care services.

A council spokesman said: “We are committed to ensuring fairness and sustainability in the provision of care services. The proposal to align weekly rates for self-funding residents in our three in-house care homes with the current contract rate of £938.90 reflects this commitment.

“Currently, a small number of residents are paying legacy rates that are significantly below market standards. Aligning these rates ensures consistency across all residents and supports the financial sustainability of our care homes, which have seen occupancy rise from around 50% to near full capacity in recent months as well as increasing costs to deliver services due to issues such as inflation, increased utility bills and increased staffing costs that our independent care providers have also experienced.

“It’s important to note that this proposal only affects self-funding residents who have sufficient capital assets. We are consulting with those affected and will provide support throughout this process.

“The council remains committed to open communication and listening to feedback as we work to deliver high-quality, sustainable care services for our community.”

In October, a Freedom of Information request revealed there had been no updates from Reform UK’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as West Northamptonshire Council faces a £50m budget gap it is seeking to close this year.