Call for probe into how millions were spent on care homes with now only 16 beds

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A leading councillor has called for an independent investigation into how Trafford council spent up to £3m on two care homes in Sale, one of which is now boarded up.

In the home that is still operational - Our Place, on Harboro Road - of its 39 beds, only 16 can currently be occupied because of 'fire safety restrictions', it was revealed at the council's executive meeting.

Conservative group leader Coun Nathan Evans made the claims following a report highlighting the issues at the home. It stated the council owns the facility, although service delivery is provided by an independent third party.

Trafford council paid £2.16m for the home in March 2020, a week before the first Covid lockdown, and bought another on Broad Road in Sale for an unknown sum before carrying out a refurbishment. “Due to fire safety issues and restrictions on admissions, the occupancy is currently at 16 beds,” the report read. “The council continues to pay the provider for the full value of the contract as the enforced restrictions on admissions are no fault of the provider." READ MORE: Sister of man who died on 40th birthday after being put in a 'chokehold' by his friend speaks out as new details emerge But Coun Evans blasted: "We did this with a view to stabilising the cost of care residents.