SOCIAL services bosses at County Hall have denied a decision has already been made on the future of homes for the elderly.

Rumours have been circulating that Lancashire County Council has decided to sell off all its homes for the elderly. And opposition councillors on Lancashire County Council have accused the ruling Labour group of hatching secret plans to sell off the homes to the private sector.

The rumours started earlier this year after it was revealed a wide-ranging review of the service was set to take place. Labour leaders have admitted drastic action needs to be taken, because the council is losing money on its homes.

A series of top level visits to homes across the county have also added fuel to the fire and increased the speculation. Social services chairman Doreen Pollitt has gone public in a bid to quash the growing fears of its staff in nursing homes.

She said the review of nursing homes has been set up to look at a wide range of options. Staff and unions are also being asked for their views by County Hall officials.

Coun Pollitt said: "It is absolutely right, as good employees, that we should tell staff of the range of options we are considering. We shall want to hear the views of everyone involved and affected by our plans and, once it is clear which options we can realistically pursue, full consultation will take place.."

She added: "Unfortunately, there has been some misunderstanding of the position with rumours that we are making decisions as early as May. I can assure people that this is not true and we have no intention of rushing this important process."

The review process is expected to last until the end of the year.

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