Sir Richard Branson’s health firm, Virgin Care, has won a £700m contract to deliver 200 types of NHS and social care services to more than 200,000 people in Bath and north-east Somerset.

This represents a landmark, especially in the delivery of social care, and provoked angry and worried responses about the ‘privatisation’ of social care.

The story and the issues involved were covered by:

The Guardian: Deal for Bath and north-east Somerset area sparks new fears about private firms’ role in providing publicly funded healthcare 

BBC Regional News: Virgin Care given £700m health contract in Bath and North East Somerset

The Independent: Controversial £700m Virgin Care contract for adult social care approved

Politicians, union representatives, and commentators on social care provision have criticised the awarding of the contract, which will come into effect on 1st April 2017. Protesters against the awarding of the contract marched through Bath on 29th October.

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Local residents had already launched a 38 Degrees online petition when the procurement process began, which is still open for signature.

Rescare will monitor developments in Bath and NE Somerset, and bring news of the awarding of any similar contract awards.