BOLTON MP Peter Thurnham is calling for strict checks on care if councils sell off old people's homes.

He wants an independent health and social services inspectorate to ensure high standards are maintained.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Bolton North East said: "Vulnerable people must be protected from the rigours of compulsory competitive tendering of social services.

"Before forcing social services to sell off old people's homes, the Government must establish an independent national inspectorate to ensure that efficiency savings go into high standards of care for the weakest in our society, and not give a quick buck for private companies."

Mr Thurnham has tabled an early day motion in Parliament which calls for the setting up of an inspectorate to ensure "full accountability and high standards in social services."

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