Private companies are preparing to take over the maintenance services of two municipal houses in order to save costs.

West Berkshire Council wants to remove Willows Edge and Birchwood care homes, both in Newbury, from the register.

It was stated that the homes were currently running “well over budget” due to high agency staffing levels and costs.

More than 1000 people before signed a petition We oppose any move to close or sell Willows Edge.

The local authority said a “well-experienced, external supplier” could run the homes at “market cost”, resulting in savings for the council.

The final decision on which company will receive the keys to each house will be made next week following a private tender process.

The council failed to include Notrees Care Home in Kintbury in the tender.

Willows Edge and Birchwood have a combined maximum capacity of 97 beds and have a mix of residential, care and dementia residents.

It is the responsibility of the council’s adult social care department to ensure that there is significant market capacity to provide services in the residential care setting.

Bed capacity has decreased by around 7 percent since 2023, at a time when demand increased after the closure of two nursing homes in the district.

A new care home is currently being built in West Berkshire and plans for four additional homes have been submitted to authorities but it is unlikely to open before 2029.