Urgent decision sought on future of Lancashire care homes and day centres
Opposition leader calls for formal clarification on investment plans
Lancashire County Council has been urged to confirm its official position on the future of 10 elderly care facilities at a cabinet meeting scheduled for 5th February 2026.
Opposition leader Azhar Ali has written to council leader Stephen Atkinson asking for clarification regarding five care homes and five day centres currently under review due to their “significantly poor” condition. Residents, service users, and staff are seeking reassurance about potential investment, closure, or privatisation.
Investment plans announced
Last week, the ruling Reform UK group at County Hall announced plans to invest in the identified care homes, raising hopes of avoiding closures. However, these plans have not yet been formally confirmed under the council’s decision-making process.
The homes under review are Favordale in Colne, Grove House in Adlington, Milbanke in Kirkham, Thornton House in Thornton Cleveleys, and Woodlands in Clayton-le-Moors. Day centres include Byron View in Colne, Derby Centre in Ormskirk, Milbanke Day Centre in Kirkham, Teal House in Thornton Cleveleys, and Vale View in Lancaster.
The council launched a public consultation into the care facilities last year and received over 1,600 responses. This feedback is still being analysed, with a decision expected later in spring.
Opposition seeks clarity
County Cllr Ali is demanding formal assurances at the cabinet meeting regarding the future of the care facilities, including confirmation that they will neither close nor be privatised. He has also requested a timeline for investment plans and disclosure of any ongoing discussions, even if delivered in confidential briefings.
Speaking about the matter, Cllr Ali said: “Residents, service users and staff need the confidence that plans are being pursued through official decision-making channels. It’s a matter of ensuring good governance and transparency.”
He added that if the cabinet does not discuss the issue next week, the opposition will seek to convene an extraordinary full council meeting.
Council response
The authority has emphasised that no formal decision can be made until the consultation process is complete and reviewed by cabinet.
A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: “It is imperative that we follow the correct legal and democratic procedures and take the time to ensure residents’ voices are fully taken into account. Until that process is complete, no decision can be made by the council.”
Cabinet member for adult social care Graham Dalton previously assured residents they would receive high-quality care services in the future.
“Our commitment to enabling Lancashire residents in our care to live meaningful lives is unwavering,” he said.