OLD people’s homes in York cost £5.5 million to run last year.

The figures emerged as a massive shake-up of care for the elderly in the city is being debated.

City of York Council is considering building three “super-care homes” in Fulford, Haxby and Acomb, as it looks to cut the costs of operating outdated buildings and meet rising demand and modern expectations. A consultation has been launched on the plans.

The authority’s 2010/11 accounts have shown the total bill for its nine current homes – Haxby Road, Grove House, Willow House, Woolnough House, Fordlands Road, Oakhaven, Windsor House, Oliver House and Morrell House – came to £5.576 million during the year.

Repair costs totalled £93,872, while the combined electricity and gas bill for the buildings, which date back to the 1960s and 1970s, was £180,892. Customers contributed £2.531 million towards care bills.

Among the options being considered by the council is a £13.4 million proposal to build 55-bedroom care homes on the Fordlands and Haxby sites, and two 45-bedroom facilities as part of a “care village” on the site of the former Lowfield School in Acomb.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for health, housing and adult social services, said: “Our current elderly people’s homes are reaching 50 years old and are no longer fit for purpose.

“The buildings are not right for the care required, the corridors are too narrow for modern standards and the design is that of the old institutionalised layout. Only 15 per cent of our rooms are en suite, which, in this day and age, is not acceptable.

“With age comes high heating and maintenance costs, and these will continue to rise. With the right type of provision, energy-efficient buildings and the reduction of duplications of services, it will lead to a better solution for the council.”

The consultation runs until Monday, and includes the council seeking the views of various organisations and running a postal survey of 2,600 elderly people. A report is due to go before the authority’s cabinet in November.

Councillor Simpson-Laing said: “The review has a huge significance for the city and how we care for our most vulnerable older people, now and in the future.

“I would urge everyone to have their say, as the consultation will help shape how we care for future generations of older people in York.”

James Player, Age UK York’s deputy chief officer, said: “It is the right time to think about the future of elderly people’s homes and this is being approached in a sensitive way.

“The existing facilities have served their purpose very well, but they need updating so they are more appropriate for the time and meet the aspirational standards people expect.”

Consultation questionnaires are in all council libraries. Feedback can also be done by phone on 01904 554359, email carehomes.consultation@york.gov.uk; or write to Care Homes Consultation Feedback, City of York Council, 10/12 George Hudson Street, York, YO1 6LP.