People living in more than a dozen housing with care schemes are now having services provided by another company, after Norfolk County Council's own care firm pulled out of the market.
Norse Care, owned by Norfolk County Council, had been responsible for providing care to people with support needs who rent apartments in 15 schemes across the county.
But, with the contract to provide that care running out, Norse Care decided not to bid to keep providing it, so County Hall put it out for tender, with two companies, Universal Care Services and Radis, awarded the new contracts.
Norse Care staff have now transferred across to the new providers, but trade union Unison had, prior to that, written to councillors to express concerns about the change, including the impact on tenants and staff.
At a recent meeting of the Reform-led council's cabinet, Green county councillor Jenny Knight said it had "been suggested that levels of care will reduce and that staff may be expected to work under worse terms and conditions".
Scott Hussey, Reform cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "During the early stages of the new contracts, providers will work with each tenant to understand their care needs and the outcomes that they are looking for.
"Levels of care during this time will not change unless mutually agreed by both tenant and their families."
He said many of the care staff were transferring to the incoming providers, so tenants were likely to retain carers they knew.
He added employment rights for staff would be upheld and that access to the local government pension scheme had been protected via an extra payment the county council had provided.
Unison's Kris Holt said members had raised concerns prior to the transfer, but that subsequent "productive" discussions had eased concerns.
He said: "We will continue our regular discussions with staff at the new providers and if they experience challenges with service user care needs or the types of care that they are asked to provide, we will, of course, prompt discussions about these.
"The general public should be aware that our members have an unwavering commitment to ensure that service users are protected and well-cared for, and they have continued to carry out their duties to an admirable standard following the transfer."
Which housing with care schemes have been affected?
Barley Court, Costessey
Benjamin Court, Cromer
Dell Rose Court, Norwich
Green Lane View, Aylsham
Harriet Court, Lakenham
Laburnum Grove, Thetford
Lisbon Court, King's Lynn
Lloyd Court, High Kelling
Oakes Court, Downham Market
Redmayne View, Sprowston, Norwich
Robert Kett Court, Wymondham
St Augustine's, Gorleston
The Lawns, Great Yarmouth
The Meadows, Bowthorpe
Weavers Court, Diss
Share