Managing director of Parklands Care Homes, Ron Taylor, has called on the Scottish government to end the stalemate on care home fees.

In a video message, Taylor urged social care minister Maree Todd to work with local government body COSLA to agree new fee and pay levels for the National Care Home Contract following months of failed talks.

He said: “The fees that we get at the moment are just not enough. To get a 6% increase, which is on the table at the moment, doesn’t even scratch the surface. The National Care Home Contract was introduced roughly 15 years ago and really, it’s not fit for purpose.

“Over the last 30 years, I’ve never ever experienced the state of the industry as it is now. 

“The number of closures and the accelerated number of closures is frightening, particularly in the Highlands with numerous homes closing, and I think it’s undoubtedly going to get worse. 

“It’s quite clear that COSLA don’t have any funds to take this any further. The Scottish government need to intervene to help us out of this crisis. We are suffering crippling cost increases, crippling agency costs and we need financial assistance. 

“We look after people who are blessed with old age. These people have given their lives to the community and now I feel we’re letting them down.”

Earlier this month, Parklands revealed its agency costs alone had soared by more than 800% in just two years and now stand at almost £1 million a year.

In January, Parklands took the difficult decision to close its smallest home in Ullapool due to rising and unsustainable costs.