A MULTI-MILLION pound homecare contract is set to be scrapped after only nine months over allegations of poor care.

East Sussex County Council is in discussions with Mitie about the future of its £2million homecare agreement with the firm after allegations were made about the standard of care provided.

The authority awarded the contract to Mitie after a tender process in March last year and began the five-year deal in October.

The agreement includes provision of services to more than 700 social care clients in Seaford, Lewes and Eastbourne, as well as people in extra-care housing.

Mitie declined to comment on the developing situation yesterday, but East Sussex County Council said: “We are currently in discussions with Mitie about the future of the homecare aspect of their contract with the council.

“These discussions are ongoing. Regardless of the outcome, our priority is to ensure that new and existing clients receive high quality homecare that enables them to live safely and independently in the community.”

Services provided include supported living, live-in care, complex care and end of life care. The business cares for 10,000 people via local authority, NHS and private pay agreements.

As well as the five-year contract with East Sussex County Council, Mitie has partnerships with Surrey County Council and the London Boroughs of Hillingdon and Brent.

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council added: “Following a restricted tender process, the county council awarded lead provider status to four homecare agencies across East Sussex in March 2014.

“Mitie was awarded lead provider status for the coastal strip from Rottingdean to Eastbourne, including Lewes.

“In addition to the four lead homecare agencies, the council also purchases homecare from a number of other approved providers.”