A council decision to close a care home in Seaford was driven by cost cutting, an MP has claimed.
MP Norman Baker said East Sussex County Council was shutting Homefield Cottages to make money by selling the site.
The council's ruling Cabinet voted on Tuesday to close the home, saying services could be provided by the private sector.
At the same time, councillors agreed to rebuild rather than sell the Harvard Road Care Home in Ringmer because there was a shortage of alternative accommodation in the area.
Mr Baker said there would be fewer services for the elderly in Seaford without Homefield Cottages.
He said: "Whilst I believe the council is acting in good faith, I also believe it is being driven by money."
Social services councillor Keith Glazier said the closure would save £75,000 a year, which would be re-invested in private sector services for the elderly.
He said: "We are not driven by money. We are driven by giving best value to the older people of East Sussex."
The Cabinet also decided to study whether to close a third home, Ridgewood Rise in Uckfield.
Friday August 1, 2003
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