Norfolk County Council has rejected a motion that would have formally halted the planned sale of all 20 council-run care homes to an overseas-owned company, following a debate at the full council meeting on 28 May 2026.

The homes are operated by Norse Care, a wholly-owned council company. The previous administration agreed in principle on 28 January to sell them off, a decision that critics say could push up fees for residents and reduce choice in the local care market.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Alexandra Kemp and seconded by Cllr Ben Weston, called on the new administration to pause the sell-off and reverse a separate decision to transfer the freehold of the care home buildings to Norse Care. It also asked for condition surveys of all 20 homes within three months, with a full investment and business plan to follow within six months.

The motion pointed to the closure of Burman House in West Norfolk in 2024 — a home rated Good by the Care Quality Commission — as an example of the previous administration's approach, which it described as failing to modernise the care home estate.

An amendment from Cllr Brian Watkins added a six-month deadline for publishing a business plan and stressed the need for clarity for residents, workers and families. Cllr Kemp accepted the amendment.

Despite support from opposition groups, the amended motion was defeated by 52 votes to 25 when it was put to a full council vote.

Norfolk currently has around 20 care homes under the Norse Care banner. The outcome means the question of their future ownership remains open, with no formal pause on the in-principle sale decision currently in place.