An Essex-based company is set to take over home care provision in most of southern Monmouthshire, replacing longstanding Magor-based domiciliary care provider Lougher Home Care.

Lougher won the tender for the Magor and Undy area, but from May, will no longer provide home care to vulnerable residents in Caerwent, Rogiet, Caldicot, Portskewett, Mathern and Chepstow, as these areas will be covered by national provider Care Quality Services.

Lougher Home Care has been supporting older Monmouthshire residents to live independently for 15 years, providing around 1,000 hours of care every week with the support of around 60 members of staff, all of whom live locally.

Last year, the council awarded its milk tender to a company based in West Wales, ending a longstanding contract with Raglan Dairy. After a public outcry, the council retendered the contract, which was won by Raglan Dairy.

Two county councillors, Richard John and Lisa Dymock, who have been championing the merits of locally-based support for elderly people, expressed disappointment at the news.

Cllr Richard John, Conservative Group Leader, said, “Many older people are going to be devastated to learn that they are set to lose the carers they know and trust.

“While Lougher Home Care will continue to provide its excellent service in Magor and Undy, it is disappointing that a successful and high quality local business is set to lose the contract for Chepstow, Caldicot and surrounding villages in favour of a national company based in Essex.

“A cynic would think this decision is motivated by cost rather than delivering the highest standards of personal care to some of our most vulnerable residents. Many older residents will now have to start again building a relationship with new carers, who may operate under a more target-driven culture.

“The council is getting a terrible reputation for turning its back on local suppliers and opting for more distant providers.”

Cllr Lisa Dymock, ward member for Portskewett, said, “Richard and I recently met some of Lougher Home Care’s clients, who spoke in glowing terms about the personal care they receive from carers they trust and feel comfortable inviting them into their home.

“It’s disappointing to see the council turning its back on a quality local provider in favour of a cheaper national alternative. It might seem cheaper initially, but if it results in fewer older people having the confidence to continue living independently, they could be forced into residential care at considerable cost to themselves or the taxpayer.

“Vulnerable residents are extremely worried about what these changes will mean for their daily routine and are nervous about losing trusted carers.

“The council has made the wrong decision on these tenders and needs to review them as a matter of urgency