STRUGGLING care homes provider Southern Cross last night appeared on the verge of reaching an agreement with its landlords, banks and the Government to ensure all 31,000 residents will still be cared for, even if the company is placed into administration.

The company, which runs six homes in Oxfordshire, was trying to strike a deal with its landlords, which could see a number of them taking over the operation of the homes from Southern Cross.

Eighty landlords own 751 homes operated by Southern Cross across the country.

The UK’s largest care home company has been struggling to cope with a £202m annual rent bill at a time its income is falling, because of council spending cuts.

Barclays and Lloyds banks are owed about £50m, while the company is reported to owe £20m in unpaid taxes.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, Arash Fatemian, said contingency plans were being prepared in case any of the homes in Oxfordshire faced closure. He said there appeared to be enough beds available to accommodate the 174 residents.

Mr Fatemian said: “Should any home close – and I would like to reiterate that on the information currently available to us that we do not expect this to happen – then (we) would have a duty to assist all clients who needed support in obtaining alternative sources of care that best meets their needs.”

He said the needs of residents and their families would be the council’s top priorities.

The homes in Oxfordshire are:

  • Brookfield Christian Care Home, in Greater Leys
  • Longlands Care Home, in Pound Lane, Cassington
  • Mill House Care Home, in Bridge Street, Witney
  • The Albany Nursing Home, in London Road, Headington
  • The Triangle Nursing Home, in Old London Road, Wheatley
  • The Crown Care Home, in High Street, Harwell.