Court bid fails to stop care home privatisations

Campaigners have lost their High Court bid to stop the privatisation of two Kirklees Council-run care homes.

The authority confirmed earlier this year that Claremont House and Castle Grange would be transferred to the private sector in an effort to save money, however campaigners challenged the plan.

Following a judicial review examining the legality of the move, the High Court ruled on Wednesday that Kirklees Council had acted "lawfully" and in accordance with its "legal duties".

The authority welcomed the ruling, but campaigners said they planned to appeal against the decision and an injunction is in place preventing the sale of the homes until any appeal process is concluded.

It was earlier in 2025 that Kirklees Council confirmed its intention to switch Claremont House in Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome to private providers despite opposition from families and councillors.

The proposals originated in 2023 as the authority was trying to fill a budget shortfall of £47m.

The two homes specialise in dementia care and campaigners from Save our Kirklees Dementia Care Homes said they feared the quality of care their loved ones would receive would not be matched by the private sector.

The campaign was behind the judicial review examining the legality of the council's plan which was heard at Leeds Combined Court Centre in September.

Responding to the High Court judgement, campaigners said while they were "disappointed" at the ruling by Judge Ward, they confirmed they planned to appeal against it.

Avalon Rawling, from Save our Kirklees Dementia Care Homes, said: "We're feeling reasonably optimistic given the circumstances, because we are determined this decision was the wrong decision for the council to have made on whatever grounds.

"So, yes, we're disappointed the ruling has come in the way it has, but we're not giving up."

Rebecca Chapman, public law and human rights lawyer at Irwin Mitchell solicitors, representing the campaigners, said: "Council-run care homes provide vital help and support to some of society's most vulnerable residents.

"Our clients continue to have serious concerns about the privatisation of these homes and the impact it will have, especially on their loved ones.

"We are now working with the campaign group as it considers its options following this judgement."

A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: "The council acknowledges the outcome of the judicial review and the court's conclusion that the decision to transfer the homes was made lawfully and in accordance with our legal duties.

"We welcome the clarity provided by the court, but we do so with respect for the concerns that families have raised throughout this process.

"The quality of care for residents of the homes remains our priority."

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