Care home fined £70k after 'shocking' fire safety breaches

A CARE home that put elderly residents at risk of fire has been ordered to pay nearly £70,000 after being prosecuted by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

Fire safety inspectors found "truly shocking" safety failings at Morven House, in Kenley, during an inspection in February last year prompted by concerns from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Blocked fire exits, an out-of-date fire risk assessment and an inadequate fire detection system led LFB to prosecute the care home's owners, Morven Healthcare Limited.

Inspectors visited after the CQC raised concerns about the home, which at the time housed 17 residents, including elderly people with dementia and disabilities.

The company pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday to five offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

It was fined £45,000 and ordered to pay full court costs of £23,488.

Ouch!