COUNCILLORS are being asked to consult on closing seven care homes.

Durham County Council’s executive cabinet will be asked to approve consultation with residents, carers and staff at a meeting on Wednesday, January 20.

The homes that could close are: Manor House, in Annfield Plain; Glendale House, in Blackhall; Lynwood House, in Lanchester; Shafto House, in Newton Aycliffe; Hackworth House, in Shildon; Stanfield House, in Stanley; and East Green, in West Auckland.

Long-term residential care would continue at Newtown House, Stanhope, while Grampian House, in Peterlee, would continue to provide intermediate care.

Cheveley House, in Belmont; Feryemount House, in Ferryhill; and Mendip House, in Chester-le-Street, could provide short-term rehabilitation and respite care.

The council’s ruling Labour group approved a confidential report proposing the consultation at a private meeting by 54 votes to six, The Northern Echo understands.

Council leader Simon Henig has declined to comment before next week’s meeting.

However, in a statement yesterday, Councillor Morris Nicholls, the cabinet member for adult services, said: “An increasing number of older people are now choosing to remain in their own homes rather than move into residential care.

“This is reflected in a significant decrease in demand for residential places, with some local authority-run homes in the county operating at around 50 per cent occupancy.

“It is extremely important that, as a council, we understand these changing trends and adapt our provision accordingly as part of our commitment to valuing all our residents.

“This could include offering a better standard of accommodation for those who choose to live in residential care and providing a different type of service for others.”

Consultation would last several months, with councillors considering its results before making a final decision.

Council chiefs will brief councillors on the plans today and trade union leaders on Thursday.

John Shuttleworth, an independent councillor for Weardale, said the consultation would be a sham, while Howard Pink, from the Unison union, said any savings should be invested in services.

Four years ago, plans to close homes caused a rift in the Labour group and cost then council leader Ken Manton his job.

Albert Nugent, who seized power pledging to save the homes before himself being ousted in May 2008, has branded his successors “scabs”.