A SENIOR council officer today launched an unprecedented attack on an outspoken York care home boss.

Tony Tait claimed an "appalling" lack of council cash support has forced him to consider demolishing Laurens Manor, in Lawrence Street, and replacing it with 24 luxury flats.

But Jim Crook, City of York Council director of community services, said the authority could not be blamed if Mr Tait succumbed to "temptation" and sold up.

Mr Crook said: "The minimum fee paid to home owners has increased significantly over the past 18 months. York fees are now among the highest in the region."

Mr Crook added: "We have seen a massive increase in land and property values in York. Some care owners are cashing in and getting on the property boom ladder.

"Most are committed to continuing caring for vulnerable people. For some, the temptation is too great."

Mr Crook would not be drawn on Mr Tait's motives for considering closing Laurens Manor. But he expressed regret that more than 20 pensioners could effectively be evicted from the home with only 28 days' notice.

Mr Crook continued: "It is not surprising people are reluctant to take up vacant beds there when it's been known for some time Mr Tait wanted planning permission."

Responding to the council attack, Mr Tait, said he has had several offers from developers since 1999.

He also spent £9,000 drawing up sheltered housing plans, claiming they were not actions of someone selling to developers.

Luxury flat plans were only tabled in the wake of affordable housing policy changes and because his business faces a cash crisis and is at "serious risk of closing" as costs spiral.

On fees, Mr Tait, 45, said the authority was still not paying higher levels backed by independent reports.

And he said minimum council payments of £430 per week were for new placements from April 2003 - leaving a funding gap for residents who entered care before that date.

Noting a reported underspend of £213,000 in the council elderly care budget, he added: "As the council is in control of purse-strings and undertakes financial assessments of clients prior to admission, who else can I blame for lack of referrals."

Laurens Manor plans went before the council on Thursday, and were recommended for acceptance.

They were deferred because residents at nearby Bull Lane flats had not been consulted.

Updated: 08:38 Tuesday, November 18, 2003