Council backs private care scheme

Some staff feared the services would deteriorate after changes

Home care services in Bristol are to be run by private firms, councillors have decided in principle.

The authority's cabinet decided at a meeting at the Council House to back the director of adult community care's Home Care Futures proposal.

Councillor John Kiely, said: "This programme is about putting older people first and ensuring good value for all the people of Bristol."

Staff may now face having their jobs transferred to private companies.

A council spokesman said: "Although the city's performance is now steadily improving, older and disabled people have consistently told the council that they want and need more support to live independently at home."

As the meeting took place, hundreds of care workers protested against the transfer plan outside the Council House.

"We are the best workers in Bristol and the elderly of Bristol deserve the best," one protester told BBC News.