Derbyshire Care Home Sale Collapses, Residents Face Relocation

Derbyshire County Council has announced it will close eight residential care facilities and relocate dozens of residents after negotiations with a prospective purchaser collapsed last week.

The Reform UK-controlled local authority had been in advanced discussions to transfer all eight homes to a single operator but was informed that the deal would not proceed.

Council cabinet member for adult care Joss Barnes expressed disappointment at the outcome, stating the authority had hoped to maintain continuity for residents and job security for staff through the sale arrangement.

“We deeply regret having to share such distressing information with residents and families at this time of year,” Barnes said, acknowledging the timing so close to the festive period.

The facilities affected by the announcement are located across the county in Borrowash, Swadlincote, Eckington, Long Eaton, Ashbourne, Shirebrook, Swanwick, and Bolsover.

Transition Plans 

Council officers have begun contacting residents and relatives to discuss alternative accommodation options. Each resident will undergo individual assessment to identify appropriate private sector placements within their local communities.

The authority has committed to covering placement costs, though specific financial arrangements remain under negotiation with receiving providers.

No fixed deadline has been established for completing the relocations, with officials emphasising that resident welfare remains paramount throughout the transition process.

Strategic Context

The sale initiative originated under the previous Conservative administration in November 2024 as part of broader reforms to adult social care provision in the county.

Sources indicate the council is refocusing its directly-provided services toward specialist dementia care rather than general residential accommodation, which has influenced the decision not to seek alternative buyers for the eight homes.

A ninth facility, Ada Belfield in Belper, continues to be marketed separately on a lease basis and remains unaffected by the current situation.

Political Response

Conservative group leader Alex Dale criticised the decision, arguing that closure should represent a final option only after exhausting all alternatives.

Dale noted that the previous administration had received substantial interest from qualified care operators willing to maintain the homes as operational facilities with existing residents and staff in place.

“These vulnerable residents, their concerned families, and dedicated staff members warrant every possible effort to preserve these homes under new management,” Dale said.

Senior council leadership is scheduled to convene for detailed briefings on the failed transaction and to determine the path forward.