If it is illegal and I have reason to believe it is, then an alternative will have to be found. I believe, and have been told by investors in care homes, as another poster said that 50% money taken is profit and this is coming from the self funders. It simply doesn't cost that much and if for example it costs £700 (which it doesn't) and the council are paying £500 (more like the cost) then the profit comes straight out of the £1200 that the self funder is paying. If there is legal redress then the Councils would have to take care back into their hands, cut out the fat cat care home owners and bingo things become much more equal. Then if people choose to self fund in private care homes that is up to them but that is a completely separate issue. All the nonsense that the councils gave people initially about block booking is now a thing of the past, they don't. Just because it is going to be challenging doesn't mean it shouldn't be tackled and there will be massive support from it. Hard earned money is being swallowed up in profit and I agree that when you are paying for exactly the same product you should never be charge 60-70% more. However, I need to get the background work done and then I believe the press will take it up. Yes, Middlemass I would love your help when I start to get info together - I have to wait weeks for some Freedom of Info requests to be dealt with! - I will private message you with my details, thank you very much
