Care contract ditched

12.01.00am GMT Fri 30th Jan 2009

After months of raising concerns about home care services in Hertfordshire the Liberal Democrat Group has now learned that the Care UK contract has finally been terminated by the County Council.

Since last spring, the Liberal Democrat Group has been raising its concerns with the Tory-run County Council both at formal meetings and directly with senior staff. They passed on all of the numerous complaints that had been receiving from carers and service users. Following the failure of recovery plans to bring about improvement the contract with Care UK covering Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Hertford, Ware and nearby villages has been terminated.

Cllr Nick Hollinghurst, Liberal Democrat Adult Care Services spokesperson, commented on the decision: 'I hope this is good news for all the residents and carers who have been let down by the County Council and its contractor. People requiring care need stability and the help they deserve. The contract will now be covered by two other contractors.

'The County Council now needs to ensure that all people requiring home care are properly covered under these new arrangements. The transfer of responsibility from Care UK to the new home care providers must be carried out smoothly - with no more calls cut short and no more calls being missed. They also need to ensure that any members of staff who transfer from Care UK to the new contractors are supported after what is likely to have been a difficult time for them too.'

Nick concluded: 'This has been a worrying time for all those involved and we will continue to monitor the situation carefully.'