Birmingham council has admitted it cannot afford to bring its 29 care homes up to national standards and will have to sell them as a result.
If plans to sell the homes to housing associations and private firms go ahead, 24 homes will be replaced with 17 homes, some on new sites. The remaining five will be refurbished.

A spokeswoman for the council said it was selling the homes because they failed to meet the National Care Standards Commission's standards for care homes.

She said: "The homes are old. They have been running for a while and need a lot doing to them to bring them up to the standard required. We haven't got the money to do it. This is why we are looking for partners; we will help each other out."

She added the council would retain some "arm's-length" influence over the homes, as some residents had opposed the transfer.

A report on the plans will go to cabinet next week. Consultation will continue with residents, relatives and staff before the programme is approved.

Tom Murtha, chief executive of Keynote Housing Group, said: "I am sure associations will be interested and maybe the private sector as well.

"The biggest issue will be whether the care and facilities will meet the requirement of today and the future – that requires lots of investment."

Source

Housing Today