Leeds's only Jewish care home is facing a quarter-of-a-million-pound income reduction as a result of Leeds City Council cutbacks.
Negotiations are continuing between Donisthorpe management and the council, which has slashed its adult social care expenditure to help save £55 million. As previously reported, Leeds Jewish Welfare Board has also suffered significant funding cuts from the local authority.
The 183-bed care home has been told new residents will receive 10 per cent less council funding, resulting in an expected loss of £250,000 next year. The home's annual expenditure is over £6 million.
Donisthorpe chief executive Carol Whitehead pointed out: "We have 60 to 70 admissions a year. Of our residents, around two-thirds are council funded, so within a year we would have quite a big reduction on our income.
"It's going to be quite difficult next year. We have had no rise in council funding for three years and that is ignoring that food and utilities and everything else has gone up in price. If you haven't got the money to pay for your staff and care, you are bound to have a decrease in services," she warned.
One consequence of the cuts will be increased fundraising activity within Leeds Jewry. Another is the cancellation of a refurbishment programme. There will also be applications for Lottery grants.