In a significant policy reversal, Reform councillors in Lancashire have declared they will not proceed with the closure of several care homes across the county, instead pledging new investment following months of intense public opposition and community campaigning.
Council Announces Investment Over Closure
Members of Lancashire County Council, where Reform UK secured a substantial majority with 52 of 84 seats in the May 2025 local elections, made the announcement earlier this week. This decision marks a dramatic shift from previous plans that had outlined the closure of multiple care facilities. The announcement comes after a major protest in Preston attracted hundreds of concerned residents and family members, highlighting widespread discontent with the original proposals.
Five Facilities Given Reprieve
The care homes that were originally facing closure include Favordale in Colne, Grove House in Adlington, Milbanke in Kirkham, Thornton House in Thornton-Cleveleys, and Woodlands in Clayton-le-Moors. Families of residents at Woodlands had previously expressed their astonishment to the Guardian in November, with one resident's son describing the planned closure as "cruel, especially from a party that claims to have respect for people who have contributed to society."
Political Reactions and Accusations
Mark Clifford, leader of the council's Labour group and shadow cabinet member for adult social care, praised campaigners while criticising Reform's handling of the situation. "It's a huge win because the public have voiced their thoughts and it has been a very, very embarrassing U-turn for Reform," Clifford stated. "We welcome this, but we certainly don't welcome the way they've been acting and treating the public and residents of these facilities all throughout this consultation."
Clifford further accused Reform of attempting to "rewrite history" by suggesting they never intended to actually close the homes. This claim was echoed by Reform councillor Graham Dalton, the cabinet member for adult social care, during an interview on BBC Radio Lancashire. "There seems to have been a well-spun narrative that these care homes were supposed to be closing," Dalton said. "You can look back through cabinet meetings, you can look back through our social media; there has been no talk of closing homes. There's only ever been talk of a review."
Questions Over Funding and Process
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, raised significant concerns about the announcement's clarity and implementation. Describing the situation as "chaotic," she questioned where the promised investment would originate and what form it would take. "Reform need to provide some clarity as soon as possible on their announcement," Smith told Beyond Radio, adding that "this level of confusion and frustration for vulnerable older adults, their families, and staff is unacceptable."
Official Position Remains Unclear
Despite the councillors' announcement, Reform maintains that no official decision has been made. The consultation process to determine the future of the five care homes, along with five day care centres in the region, is scheduled to continue until March. A council spokesperson clarified: "The council has not made any decision at this stage. Now that the consultation has closed, officers are analysing all the feedback and preparing a full report for cabinet in spring, where councillors will review the findings before making any formal decisions."
The council had originally published detailed plans for the care home closures in autumn, complete with a specific timetable, before initiating the consultation process that has now generated such substantial public response.
