Prime Minister Keir Starmer labels Derbyshire care home closures 'deeply concerning'

Reform-led Derbyshire County Council confirmed the move to families and staff just days before Christmas.

The administration has being forced to revise its plans with feared closures following a failed attempt to sell eight homes to a single provider.

Labour’s Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions, telling Keir Starmer residents and workers had been left “heartbroken”.

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?”

Sir Keir Starmer 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.

Other Labour MPs in Derbyshire have also urged Reform to think again about the impact of their decision.

Jonathan Davies, MP for Mid Derbyshire, which includes Briar Close House, expressed deep concern. He 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.”

Mr Davies added that he is continuing to engage with council leaders to ensure residents 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,” he added.

UNISON claims the closures will leave elderly residents and staff who look after them to bear the consequences of months of poor decision-making by authority bosses.

Derbyshire County Council has been approached for a comment.