SOCIAL care for vulnerable adults in Warrington has now been officially outsourced after a doomed Labour revolt failed to stop the move.

Catalyst Choices, a new social enterprise, assumed control of a range of care services on Sunday.

The decision to outsource was called in by Labour Clr Kevin Bennett (Bewsey and Whitecross), who has since resigned from the party.

It means Catalyst Choices takes over provision for elderly residents at Woodleigh Care Home in Callands; Mosslands in Birchwood; Broomfields in Appleton, Sankey Manor and Woolston Hall.

Learning disability respite accommodation at James Phoenix House will also be outsourced, along with the supported employment service, and 13 properties of tenants with learning disabilities.

And Catalyst takes over day services at Gorse Covert Day Centre and 15 community venues, said Warrington Borough Council.

It added the social enterprise protects 317 council jobs along with eight of the council’s in-house care and support services.

Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member, health wellbeing and adult services, called it a 'proud day' for Warrington.

She said: "This social enterprise project has been many months in the planning.

"Our service users and their families, along with our employees, have been involved and informed at every step in the journey.

“The creation of this staff-led enterprise is a tribute to everyone who has worked so hard to get us to the launch of Catalyst Choices

“Our service users will continue to receive the same level of high-quality care from the same care staff and to the same quality standards set nationally

In November, the council's scrutiny committee recommended the decision to outsource be reconsidered as it felt concerns highlighted in an independent report had not been properly considered.