Call for Wakefield's Vico Homes to halt plan to end home care service for vulnerable residents
The leader of Wakefield Council is among figures to have criticised the decision
Calls have been made for a social housing provider to halt plans to end a technology-enabled care service which allows around 15,000 vulnerable residents to live at home independently.
In November last year, councillors accused Vico Homes of “putting profit before people” over the decision to discontinue its Care Link service.
The service helps elderly, disabled or vulnerable people remain in their own homes through the use of alarm systems and providing a 24-hour monitoring and emergency response.
The company informed Wakefield Council that it intended to close the service when its contract with the local authority ended in September 2026 due to it being “no longer financially viable.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Rachel Speak has put forward a motion urging the council to call on Vico Homes to pause the withdrawal of the service.
The Knottingley councillor said: “Vico Homes reports a significant operating surplus and continues to invest in new housing development.
“The withdrawal of Care Link presents serious risks to vulnerable residents who do not have assessed care needs and may increase pressure on families, carers, emergency services and health and social care provision.
“Assistive living and emergency alarm services are essential to protecting the safety, dignity and independence of vulnerable residents who do not have assessed care needs.”
The motion, to be debated at a full council meeting on January 28, further requests the housing provider and the council to work together to “ensure continuity of service for existing users until a safe and equivalent alternative is available.”
Coun Speak also called for a report to be prepared on the “implications of the withdrawal” and the council’s plans to protect residents who have assessed care needs
Councillors of all political parties previously criticised the decision at a meeting last year.
Council leader Denise Jeffery said: “This is an absolute disgrace, really. It’s absolutely awful for the residents across this district.
“Thousands of people will be affected. Residents right across the district depend on it.”
Coun Jeffery said people being discharged from local hospitals also relied on the service.
Michelle Collins, the council’s cabinet member for adults and health, said: “The potential impact on our residents is significant, as well as the wider impact it could have on our health partners.
“It is absolutely not good enough.
“It is my view that these are not the actions of a partner that wants the best for the people that are in our district.
“Our officers are working with partners to better understand the implications of this immediate closure and I would again urge Vico to get back around the table.”
At the time, Vico, previously Wakefield District Housing, said: “After many years of dedicated service, we’ve made the decision to bring our Care Link telecare and responder services to a close by September 2026.
“This follows changes to funding and a wider review of how we can continue to deliver services sustainably in a changing and competitive market.
“Unfortunately the service is no longer financially viable.
“We recognise this news will have an impact on many people; our colleagues, customers and partners.
“And we want to acknowledge the incredible work of our award-winning Care Link team.
“Our priority now is to support everyone affected.
“We have an extensive plan to share the news with customers, directing them to information on alternative providers where needed and keeping them informed.
“And we are providing a package of support to colleagues who are affected.”