Northumberland Labour’s councillor Mary Murphy, ward councillor for Choppington, is asking council leader Glen Sanderson for assurances about the future of care homes in the county.

Councillor Murphy said: “I was shocked to read in the local press of the perilous state of finances in the care home sector.

“The manager of Care North East, a body representing many local care homes, accused Northumberland County Council of pushing them to the brink by failing to enter into serious negotiations with them.

“What made this even worse was that Care North East chair Keith Gray said Northumberland County Council was the only local authority in the region to behave in this way.

“On behalf of local residents, I will be seeking assurances from the leader on the current situation and what the council is doing to ensure that elderly and vulnerable people get the care they need. They and their families deserve better than this. They need to know the security and stability of knowing their homes are not under threat.

“It is time for the leaders of the council to answer these concerns which is why I will be asking for assurances at the full council meeting.”