Yet again another consultation, which the council will not bother with, I expect their decision will be reported in The Star next week.
We all know the reason the council is doing this, is purely on the basis of cost, there is not care for the individuals concerned.
As for care in the community, this as never worked, as it was not given sufficient funding when it was originally introduced.
I would like to know if Coun. Mary Lea has any first hand experience of care in the community care for 1 of her relatives.
If you do this through an agency, not only do you have to carefully vet the agency, re their employment methods and supervision of their staff, but also keep a close eye on the people they send to carry out the care.
Alternatively you could employment carers direct, in this respect you are the person providing the supervision, recruitment and all other employer requirements.  You are manager, supervisor,and HR department.  If you do everything correct you may not have any problems, but remember that in Employment Law, the employer has very few, if any rights, but the employee has a whole mass of laws and rights to support them.
I have personal experience of both using agencies and employing direct and my preference is employing direct.  The reason being, provided you comply with Employment Law, you are in control and have the sole responsibility to ensure the care in conducted as it should be.
But do not lower your standards or your guard, but be always vigilant.