OWNERS of independent care homes say they are under siege because people are accusing them of putting profits before welfare.

Care North-East, a group which represents more than 100 independent owners of care homes in the region, has spoken out after Unison accused private care home owners of threatening to close homes unless they are given money by local authorities.

A Unison spokesman said: "Local authorities were forced to dispose of the majority of homes because the private sector said it could run them cheaper and better.

"Now they are threatening to close or dispose of their assets, encouraged by a buoyant housing market, unless local authorities pay them more."

But Care North-East chairman Martin Joyce has defended those who run private care homes.

He said: "It is an absolute farce to suggest that care home owners are sitting pretty on bundles of cash from property deals and are totally unconcerned about the effects the closure of a home has on the elderly people in their care.

"The real scandal is the inability of the Government to safeguard a level-playing field for all care providers, be they local authority or independent.

"The proof of dual funding can be clearly seen in local authorities who still run their own homes and are able to pay more for its services than they do to the independent home operators for the exact same service.

"Care North-East also takes issue with Unison on the closure of local authority homes, many of whom would not withstand the level of inspection which is undertaken in independent care homes.

"It has been the choice of local authorities to close these homes in favour of better facilities from the independent sector.

"They must now make the choice to pay the owners and staff a living wage."