Care homes in Machynlleth and Llanidloes will be taken over by private company Shaw Healthcare, it has been announced.

Powys County Council has selected company to take over the running of 12 council-owned care homes, including Cartref Dyfi in Machynlleth and Maes y Wennol in Llanidloes following BUPA’s decision to pull out of a contract to operate the homes.

But that decision has been criticised by Unison which has accused the council of failing to speak to the union.

John Byrne, the Unison Powys branch secretary, said: “Powys people deserve care that is solely based on what is best for individuals and their families and the care workforce and not on generating a profit for a private company.

“When services are operated directly by the council there is democratic accountability so people have a say about the quality of the service.

“Councils have the power to intervene to positively shape the lives of their citizens.

“When care workers are employed by private companies their wage and employment conditions are often squeezed and they then suffer in-work poverty.

“When Powys council was considering legal action against BUPA in August 2017, Unison warned that private care companies have priorities that are out of step with a public service ethos.

“Unison’s message to the council is to engage with staff, trade unions and users to devise an in-house care plan which places the quality of service and users at the core.”

But Cllr Stephen Hayes, the council’s adult social care portfolio holder, said: “We are very pleased to be able to announce our intent to partner with Shaw Healthcare, a Wales-based company which is largely staff-owned.

“As a council our priority is to ensure safe, high-quality care and support for the residents of these homes and we are confident that Shaw Healthcare will be a positive partner for Powys council and the Powys Teaching Health Board.”

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