PRESS RELEASE: Lib Dems call for urgent report on Southern Cross

In response to the news that Southern Cross is going into administration, Liberal Democrat councillors have urged the Chair of the Adults and Communities Scrutiny committee to ask the Director of Adults and Communities to give an update on the implications for residents funded by the County Council at the meeting tomorrow.

Simon Galton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group said: "I am sure residents and their families have a lot of concerns, it is crucial to emphasise that no Southern Cross homes will close immediately. The important fact is that the various scenarios as to what could happen are clearly laid out for members to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for residents."

"We must remember that LCC currently funds 150 residents in the county and 13 across the Country who are placed in Southern Cross run homes. However the Council also has a duty of care towards the hundreds of self-funding residents within the County. To me this represents a complex scenario that needs a proactive stance by this council. "

"There is no immediate danger to the current day to day services for residents - but the more worrying fact is the medium and long term stability of the care sector. Southern Cross was the largest care provider in the UK and their failure does raise questions about how much we can rely on the private sector to provide 100% of residential accommodation for vulnerable adults. "