Legal Challenge to Kirklees Council’s Dementia Care Home Privatisation

Download IPFS

Families and campaigners have launched High Court legal action to challenge Kirklees Council’s decision to privatise its last two long‑stay dementia care homes, Claremont House in Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome. The council’s February decision to transfer these facilities to private ownership has sparked fierce opposition from residents’ families, local councillors, and the wider public, who argue the move lacks transparency and prioritises cost-cutting over vulnerable residents’ welfare.

The controversial plan faced scrutiny earlier when eight opposition councillors challenged the financial justification for privatisation, citing insufficient openness. Despite this, the Labour-led council pressed ahead, ignoring widespread concerns. Campaigners, undeterred, have now enlisted Irwin Mitchell’s public law and human rights specialists to seek a judicial review of the council’s decision.

Rebecca Chapman, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the campaigners, stated in a recent interview: “Local authority-run care homes are a lifeline for people, especially those with dementia. Families have expressed profound frustration at the council’s handling of this process, fearing the impact on their loved ones. We’ve applied for a judicial review to scrutinise the legality of this decision.”

This legal action follows a 2023 campaign that forced the council to abandon initial plans to close the homes. However, the renewed push for privatisation has reignited fears. Families argue they’ve been sidelined, with inadequate consultation throughout the process. They also question the council’s claim that privatisation is financially necessary, pointing to a lack of clear evidence.

Among those affected is 90‑year‑old Brenda Hughes, a resident at Castle Grange for seven years, who has late‑stage mixed dementia. Her son, Adrian Pygott, 62, voiced his concerns: “My mother’s emotional and physical needs are complex. The staff at Castle Grange provide exceptional care, and any disruption could be devastating for her and others. The council’s financial rationale is riddled with holes, and they’ve failed to prioritise residents’ well-being.”

Both care homes support around 40 residents each, many with advanced dementia requiring specialised care. Campaigners warn that privatisation could lead to reduced standards or even relocations, which could severely impact residents’ health. The group remains resolute, vowing to fight until the threat to the homes is lifted.

The legal challenge underscores broader concerns about the Labour council’s approach to social care, with critics arguing it reflects a broader trend of neglecting vulnerable communities in favour of short-term savings. As the judicial review looms, the campaigners’ fight to protect Claremont House and Castle Grange continues to gain momentum, shining a light on the human cost of such decisions.