High Peak MP says decision not to close Derbyshire care homes is 'the right choice'

We all depend on our local services and their contribution to the national effort against the virus.

During this pandemic, the Government has provided £3.2 billion to help local services respond to the virus.

Extra funding for local services has been vital these past few months, helping the most vulnerable people.

But we have to make sure no-one is left behind when the pandemic is over, especially those in our local care system.

The planned closure of Goyt Valley House care home in New Mills, along with six other local care homes, earlier this year caused uproar in High Peak.

Since then, I have been working hard to help save Goyt Valley House.

Some people were surprised that I spoke out against the Conservative-run council but, as I’ve said all along, I’m an independent-minded moderate, who will always put the High Peak ahead of party politics.

As part of my campaign to save Goyt Valley House, I visited the home, met with residents, relatives and staff, attended and spoke at the march against the closure, repeatedly lobbied the key decision makers at the council and raised the issue in Parliament, inviting the care homes minister to visit New Mills and Goyt Valley House.

It is a great relief that the council has listened and announced last week that no Derbyshire care home will close without another to replace it.

The council has made the right choice.

I disagreed strongly with the proposals for its closure, but I also feel that under the previous Labour administration, there was under-investment in our care homes for decades.

Goyt Valley House will remain open until at least 2022 and it has been guaranteed that it will not be closed without a replacement care home in the local area.

The community made its voice heard and I am very glad the council listened.

I will continue to stand up for our care homes and will be working to keep the council to their commitments.

We need strong local services if we are going to get this virus under control.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.