By Hayley Robinson

It's not about money, it's about the people.

That was the message when plans to sell off a Sittingbourne care home were defended by Kent County Council (KCC).

The council launched a public consultation in June about the Future of Older Person's Provisions and within it revealed its intention to shut three of its care homes in Swale including Doubleday Lodge,

The home in Glebe Lane has nine permanent residents and 43 members of staff.

If given the go-ahead a private provider in partnership with KCC will continue to deliver the services but will develop, modernise and tailor services under separate arrangements and possibly at different locations in Swale.Graham Gibbens, KCC's cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services, told councillors at the Sittingbourne Local Engagement Forum: "It's about how we care for elderly people both now and in to the medium term.

"Over the next 20 years the number of people aged over 85 will double. Equally over the next 25 to 30 years, [there will be] a significant increase in the number of people suffering from dementia.

"What we are talking about is how we face up to the changes that are coming not only to Kent but the whole country and how we're going to manage the situation.

"There is a small saving if all the proposals went ahead and that saving is about £2 million.

"I do realise how difficult this is for residents in our homes."

Thousands of people have contributed to the consultation since it began. KCC has received emails, letters, and petitions as well as hearing comments at meetings and roadshow events.

Mr Gibbens said: "This period of consultation, of listening to what people think and hearing their concerns, has been crucial as we think about the future of services for older people.

"Those comments will now be carefully evaluated."

The closing date for the consultation is Monday.

To make a comment visit the website www.kent.gov.uk/opsfuture