Care homes in Dorset face a 700 per cent increase in energy bills

Luxury Care, which has homes in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, said last year they paid £660 per bed for gas and electricity. 

But they forecast this could rise by an astonishing 682 per cent to £5,166 on a like-for-like basis. 

Kevin Gunputh, CEO of Luxury Care, said: “We pay the same VAT and Green Levy rates on energy bills as domestic settings but are not subject to the domestic price cap and are not set to benefit from the £400 energy rebate. 

Image: Luxury Care (Image: NQ)

“It would be tough to take another energy efficiency measure than we already have as our infrastructure is well maintained and up to date. 

“We care for the most vulnerable people in society, some of whom have very complex needs. We will not be compromising their care in any shape or form.” 

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Sarah Lloyd, chief executive of Age UK Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset, said the energy crisis has come at a time when adult social care is “already facing the most challenging circumstances in history”. 

She added: “Current packages of government support ignore the social care sector entirely. Care providers, despite paying the same VAT and Green Levy rates on energy bills as domestic settings, are not subject to the domestic price cap and are therefore not set to receive any energy rebate. 

Image: Luxury Care (Image: Image: Luxury Care)

“Nationally and locally we are really worried about how some care providers will manage to keep going. The larger chains have a better chance of weathering the storm but if you operate just one or two care homes, you are terribly exposed to price hikes of this kind.” 

She added Age UK is working with local councils to provide £200 support funds per household to those facing fuel or food poverty and have made more than 150 payments in the area this month to vulnerable old people. 

“We would urge older people living in our area to contact us on 01202 530530 before turning their heating off or down to make sure they are receiving all the financial support available,” she added.