Care home campaigners granted permission to appeal

Campaigners who lost a legal bid to stop the privatisation of two council-run care homes have been granted permission to appeal the decision.

Kirklees Council confirmed last year it planned to transfer Claremont House in Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome to private providers in an attempt to save money, despite opposition from families and councillors.

The battle went to the High Court in December, which ruled in the council's favour - but campaigners challenged the outcome.

They said the homes were "not merely surplus council assets" but were "deeply valued community services providing essential, specialist dementia care".

A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: "We respect the right of individuals and groups to pursue legal challenge in relation to the decision to transfer Castle Grange and Claremont House.

"As this matter is now subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment further at this stage.

"The quality and continuity of care for residents remain our priority, and we will continue to ensure they receive safe, high-quality support."

A statement from campaigners said: "We are overjoyed to receive the news that the court has allowed us the opportunity to challenge the High Court decision to allow the sale of the homes.

"Our legal team representing Brenda Hughes, a resident of Castle Grange, always believed we had grounds for appeal and this has now been proved vindicated.

"The injunction preventing Kirklees from selling the homes until the appeal process is concluded remains in place.

"This means Castle Grange and Claremont House remain in public hands – and residents stay protected."

The group added that recent reports showed the council was meeting its financial targets and need not sell homes "that offer excellent value for money, work well, and serve the community".

It said: "The homes are highly rated by inspectors, and are treasured by residents, families, dedicated staff and the broader community alike.

"They represent dignity, stability, and compassion in later life. This is why we as campaigners have fought so hard and long for them. We only wish Kirklees Council valued them in the same way."

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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