MPs representing Erewash respond to plans to close eight county care homes including two borough sites

MPs representing both constituencies covering the Erewash borough have given their responses to plans by Derbyshire County Council to close eight care homes in the county including two local sites.

The authority confirmed the move to families and staff just days before Christmas, leaving them facing a festive season plagued by worries about finding somewhere else to live or finding a new job.

The matter was raised by Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth at a pre-Christmas Prime Minster's Questions. He told Keir Starmer that residents had been left "heartbroken", including at an affected site in Mr. Farnsworth's constituency

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the decision by Reform-led Derbyshire County Council, describing it as “deeply concerning”.

Ms Farnsworth also told the Commons the decision came “just days after learning that the council’s cost-saving claims were entirely fabricated”. 

The MP asked Keir Starmer: “Does the Prime Minister agree with me that when Reform talk about DOGE what they are actually talking about is cutting vital public services like care homes? And will he join me in urging Derbyshire County Council to think again?”

The PM replied: “Well, it is deeply concerning to hear about the closure of eight Derbyshire care homes by the Reform-led Derbyshire Council. It will be hugely concerning to residents and to their families whilst we are making £3.7 billion of extra funding available to councils to fund social care.”

He also called out Nigel Farage for not even attending the last PMQs of the year to hear the question about his party’s actions. 

Here in Erewash, other Labour MPs have also urged Reform to think again about the impact of their decision.

MP for the Erewash constituency, Adam Thompson MP, said: “When Reform were elected to run Derbyshire County Council back in May, they promised to at least keep our care homes open. Now, they’ve failed to even carry on previous, Conservative administration's plans to privatise the care homes, and mean to just shut them down. The residents of Lacemaker Court will now have to worry about being moved miles away from their families in Long Eaton, and being charged a fortune for the privilege. It’s a disgrace, and the people of Derbyshire deserve better.”

Jonathan Davies, MP for Mid Derbyshire, which includes Briar Close House, Borrowash, said: "I am incredibly disappointed and concerned by this news. While I would prefer the care home to be kept in public hands, this is the worst possible outcome for its residents and staff. Any move that results in residents being evicted, and important jobs lost right before Christmas, is awful.

"I continue to engage with Derbyshire County Council’s Reform leadership to support the home's residents to receive care elsewhere. 

"The Labour government is investing in local authorities and the NHS. Derbyshire County Council must use this additional support to ensure the essential services it has provided over many years have a future."