Norfolk County Council cancels Norse Care sale to Stow Healthcare
Council prioritises local-focused solutions after reviewing options
Norfolk County Council has withdrawn its proposal to sell Norse Care and 20 associated care homes to Stow Healthcare, citing that the decision is not in the best interests of residents and taxpayers.
The council's Cabinet, taking over the in-principle sale from former administration, informed residents and staff of the decision earlier today.
Councillor Nick Taylor, Cabinet Member for Commercial Assets and Revenue Generation, highlighted that the Cabinet evaluated the sale carefully and concluded better alternatives exist.
Efforts are now directed towards finding more locally focused solutions, with Norse Care continuing to operate its 17 functioning care homes across Norfolk.
The council's initial launch of a care estate review was propelled by the impending expiration of its Norse Care Ltd contract, initially set to end in March 2026 but now extended to December.
The previous administration favoured the sale to modernise the homes, identifying Stow Healthcare as a preferred bidder.
Cllr Scott Hussey, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “Residents, their families, and staff at the care homes have been at the centre of every decision we have made on this. Had the sale gone ahead, we were fully prepared to ensure continuity of care, and this remains my priority now.
"I want to reassure everyone connected with Norse Care that services will continue as normal while we work with officers to find the right long-term solution for Norfolk.”