WHEN [Prime Minister] Cameron made his recent promise to look after small businesses, he evidently did not realise the limitations of his power.

A case in point is the Cromwell Care Agency, a local family-run care agency that has looked after residents of Ramsey and the surrounding area for over 20 years.

They are one of the largest independent employers in Ramsey, having a three-star rating and an excellent relationship with both clients and staff. Despite all this, Cambridgeshire County Council has decided not to renew their contract but to award it to a national company. Why? Was that company’s quote lower than Cromwell and, if so, was it worth it?

On ringing the council I was assured that I might get the same carers and might not notice the changeover. This may be true but it doesn’t prevent another small business being closed down when a national company can apparently present a ‘better business case’.

Personally I am devastated. I have been very well looked after by Cromwell for the last four years since I had a stroke. I am chairbound, unable to get up without a frame, and the care I have received has been consistently very good.

Regular routine care provided by a familiar person is essential to housebound people who rely very much on this service.

Incidentally, I would like to know by whom the national company that has been given the contract is owned.

After reading in last week’s Hunts Post about similar treatment given to a different care organiser in Ramsey by Cambridgeshire County Council, I am wondering what the justification is for looking to award the contract elsewhere, and I am apprehensive of the quality of care we are going to receive.

I assume the quotes for the contract will be available to be seen by the public under the Freedom of Information Act.

Mrs M ROSE

Ashbeach Drove

Ramsey St Mary’s

Editor’s note: Cambridgeshire County Council said: “The council’s adult social care service has recently undertaken a tendering exercise for home care services, where care staff visit people in their own homes and provide help and support for personal care and other daily activities. As with all tendering processes, which are designed to ensure that the local authority secures services that demonstrate value for money, some organisations will be successful and others won’t be, and will no longer be placed on the council’s preferred providers list. We recognise that this kind of change creates uncertainty and worry for the people whose service provider will change. Wherever possible, we are working with the successful providers to secure the transfer of the staff who deliver the care on a day-to-day basis, to the new providers. In this way, consistency of care and relationships can be maintained. We are continuing to review the impact of these changes to ensure that people receive the care they need.”