Care homes 'a top concern'

THE welfare of residents in care homes run by the crisis-hit Southern Cross fund is the government's "paramount concern".

Care services minister Paul Burstow told MPs yesterday "every step necessary" would be taken to protect the 31,000 people living in the firm's homes.

He hinted tougher rules could be brought in to ensure the financial viability of firms running homes for the elderly, as he answered MPs' questions in the Commons.

Southern Cross says it will underpay its rent for the next four months as it struggles with a 230 million annual rental bill.