Council aims to close more homes

Hundreds of people have protested about earlier closure plans

Ten more care homes in Staffordshire could close, affecting 200 residents and 450 staff.

A seven-week public consultation has begun to decide about the future of the homes for people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

The council said the preferred option is to provide all care home services in the independent sector and increase care service's in peoples home.

Hundreds of people have protested at plans to shut 22 care homes.

Campaigners failed in their bid to get a judicial review into the decision.

Independent consultation

The council said it wants more people to be cared for in their own homes and the extra money needed to deliver current services by 2010 could reach £31m.

This latest consultation with staff and residents and their families will be arranged by an independent consultation agency.

The options being considered include closing some homes but keeping some open or closing all ten.

Residents' and relatives responses will be given to the Social Care and Health directorate by the end of August and a "considered decision" will then be taken near in August.