This publication follows the rigorous oversight and review by an Independent Advisory Panel (IAP) which concluded that the consultation on the future of Dewar House in Hamilton and McClymont House in Lanark was open, transparent and had been conducted in accordance with national guidance.

The consultation report will inform deliberations of a forthcoming meeting of South Lanarkshire’s Integration Joint Board.

Craig Cunningham, head of commissioning and performance at South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Firstly, we fully recognise that any consultation processes on local services can be an anxious time.

“No one has entered care services with a view to proposing the closure of facilities. We understand that public concern and fully expected it to come through in the consultation.

“I would like to offer a sincere note of thanks to everyone who took the time to participate.”

It is essential that the context of this consultation is understood. It is part of a wider programme of work to address a recurring budget shortfall of £21 million for adult and older people’s social care in South Lanarkshire.

These continuing local financial pressures mirror the challenges that social care is under across Scotland as has been highlighted by Audit Scotland.

The national auditor states that IJBs have reached a point where significant transformation will be needed to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and quality of services individuals receive.

Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer of the IJB, said: “No decisions about the future of either residential care home have been taken at this stage.

“The consultation report will be submitted in full as part of papers to the IJB when it considers the future of the care homes as part of a wider suite of measures to secure sustainable and effective services in the face of a substantial recurring budget shortfall.

“The seriousness with which we view our duty of care to the 21 residents of these two residential care homes is and will remain unchanged.

“This is a responsibility that we will continue to discharge appropriately regardless of the outcome of the IJB’s decisions on March 26.”