Scottish Care chief executive, Donald Macaskill, has warned rising energy prices could have a devastating impact on care homes.

Speaking to BBC’s Good Morning Scotland, Macaskill said price hikes could lead to homes closing, increasing the risks to residents of premature death.

Macaskill said: “We are deeply worried that over the next few months without significant Westminster intervention, many more care homes and care organisations will be able to stay in business.

“All care homes are classed as businesses and therefore are not subject to the energy price cap, the maximum amount companies can charge for energy.

“We are at the mercy of a market which has shrunk and which is now reaching amazing levels.”

“For example, a small charitable care home in the north of Scotland uses £26,000 worth of electricity and gas a year and is now faced with the cheapest option for next year’s supply being £180,000.”

In an interview with The Observer on Sunday, Oona Goldsworthy, chief executive of Bristol based charity Brunelcare said she had recently been forced to sign a new energy contract worth £7.7 million because energy prices were rising by £100,000 a day.

“We’re in an absolutely impossible situation,” Goldsworthy said. “I’ve had one of the worst weeks ever and I’ve been through Covid so I know what hard times are like. We are being abandoned again.”

A government spokesperson said: “No national government can control the global factors pushing up the price of energy, but we will continue to support businesses and care homes across the UK in navigating the months ahead.  

“This includes doubling our support for high energy usage businesses, reducing employer national insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance and slashing fuel duty.

“We have also provided the Scottish government with a record £41 billion settlement for the next three years.

“Responsibility for health and social care is devolved to the Scottish government and local authorities in Scotland.”