A debate between representatives of the sector and MSPs took place this week

Extra funding of a billion pounds is needed to help the care sector in Scotland.

MSPs heard this week that care homes are in crisis and facilities across the country could close unless urgent investment is made.

A debate on the sustainability of the Scottish care home sector was held between representatives of the sector and members of the health and sport committee this week.

Scottish Care chief executive Donald Macaskill said that providers were facing spiralling costs.

“The care home sector in Scotland is facing a significant crisis,” he said.

“This is not a word which is used lightly because after all, we are talking about the places people have come to know as their homes, and we are holding in our concern the 53,000 staff who rely on the sector to make their living.

“The care home sector in Scotland cannot face another year of spiralling costs coupled with even greater recruitment and retention challenges without there being an inevitable set of closures and withdrawals from the care home sector.”

When questioned on how much funding would be needed to fill the gaps in care provision, Macaskill said an extra £1 billion over three years would be his conservative estimate.

The debate follows the decision by Bield Housing revealed earlier this year that it would close 12 residential homes. The charity said it had taken the tough decision as it needed to secure its future.

Bield chief executive Brian Logan told the committee that the care home side of the charity has been losing money for the past five years.

Representatives at the discussion said they would support an independent commission on care home fees taking place.