Information on Loughborough

Huntingdon Care Home

Posted on 28/11/2007
P. Klein

old person holding keys

Leicestershire County Council has decided to transfer Huntingdon Court care Home in Loughborough to independent providers.

Back in March 2007, the County Council proposed to close or convert up to two of its 10 elderly peoples homes, in order to create two extra care supported accommodation schemes. However after some protest the County withdrew its plans in July 2007 pending further consultation.

At a Cabinet meeting on 23rd November 2007 it was decided that Huntingdon Court together with 5 other care homes in the County should be offered as "going concerns to independent providers in the private sector. Being transferred as a going concern that both existing residents and staff would retain their places and jobs respectively.

The Council also decided to draw up additional plans to expand extra care schemes across Leicestershire, in partnership with District Councils and housing providers.

Council Leader David Parsons said: "Weve consulted widely and have given consideration to the views expressed. We feel we can address many of the concerns raised and believe this decision enables us to deliver what many elderly people have been telling us that they want.

"Crucially, it allows care homes to remain open, means no resident has to move and enables the County Council to develop services which promote choice and independence."

Any sale of the Loughborough care home would include a covenant to make sure that it would continue to provide a home for current residents. The exisitng staff transferring to the new company would be protected under TUPE regulations ( Transfer of Undertakings -Protection of Employment). Finally there would be a 25-year covenant, that would give the Council to a proportion of profits, if the buildings were later used for non-care purposes.