CHANGES in the way two care homes are run are being considered by Kent County Council.

With more people living longer, KCC says it is cheaper to "commission" care than to provide it in their homes, many of which require expensive modernisation.

Proposals would see services delivered differently in 11 of the 16 homes run by KCC, including Blackburn Lodge, Sheerness, and Doubleday Lodge, Sittingbourne, which could be run by other organisations. Others could be sold or closed.

Councillor Graham Gibbens, KCC cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services, said: "These proposals are about people and the way care is provided.

"They are also about saving money so that we can continue to protect services wherever possible."

A public consultation started Monday and finishes on November 1, with a decision expected January 2011.

For information go to www.kent.gov. uk/opfutures. E-mail your opinion to opfutures@kent.gov.uk or call 01732 525477.