Admissions embargoes on local authority placements are in force at 16 care homes in Kent, the local authority has revealed.

Kent County Council (KCC) said 10 disability residential and six older persons’ homes were currently rated ‘red’ under its sanctions process.

A further 15 are rated ‘amber’ which means “placements may still be made but with some restrictions”.

The council said the number of red and amber rated services had declined.

The council ratings systems does not affect privately funded placements.

There are currently eight CQC Inadequate rated services in the county, accounting for 1.6% of care homes. At a national level, 1% of care homes are rated Inadequate, according to the CQC’s latest State of care report.

A KCC spokesperson said: “Kent is the largest local authority in England with the highest number of care homes, which by default means there is likely to be a higher number of Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inadequate rated homes.”

The council said that having such a small amount of care homes in sanctions meant no additional pressures were put in services.

Nadra Ahmed, executive co-chairman of the National Care Association (NCA), told Caring Times: “At one time Kent was a leading council in its engagement and coproduction in relation to care provision in the county. It is deeply concerning to see that it is now seeing a fall in standard, which has led to this report.

“The sector continues to struggle with recruitment which is a direct result of the funding providers receive from the county council on commissioned beds. Recruitment and retention is a key part of the challenge we need to overcome and the only way to do that is to support the sector through realistic fee rates.

“The other issue we face is strong and sustainable leadership in what is a very tough working environment. There is a shortage of nurses and registered managers in the county which will have an impact on the quality of the services.

“What we need in the county is an open and honest conversation with commissioners to see how providers work with officials to ensure that those who need care and support in the county are not being let down.”