Consultation outcome

The Future of Ilford Park Polish Home: Analysis of consultation responses

Updated 14 September 2026

1. Executive Summary

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) consulted on proposals concerning the future of Ilford Park Polish Home (IPPH), including a proposed end date for new admissions from Autumn 2027 and future viability reviews as resident numbers decline.

The consultation generated a substantial response from current residents’ families, representatives, members of the Polish community, staff, veterans, community organisations and wider stakeholders. The responses reviewed demonstrate strong opposition to both the proposed admissions end date and any future closure of IPPH.

The strongest themes were the importance of maintaining a Polish-speaking care environment, protecting elderly residents from the impacts of relocation, preserving a unique community, and recognising the United Kingdom’s historic commitment to Polish veterans and displaced persons.

A significant proportion of responses used a templated form of words. However, the main themes were also raised independently by family members, staff, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, veterans and other stakeholders. The evidence therefore indicates broad and consistent concern about the proposals.

Key Finding	Summary
Overall position	The overwhelming majority of responses opposed ending admissions in 2027 and opposed closure as the eventual outcome.
Most prominent concern	Respondents viewed IPPH as a Polish cultural, linguistic and religious community rather than simply a care home.
Resident welfare	Many family and staff responses argued that relocation could harm frail residents, particularly those living with dementia.
Historic obligation	Many responses referred to Polish wartime service, the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 and what respondents described as Churchill’s Promise.
Alternative options	Respondents proposed widening eligibility, mixed occupancy, broader veteran use, partnership models and a review closer to the 2033 lease break point.

2. Background

The Ilford Park Polish Home (IPPH) is the last remaining Polish ‘hostel’ set up under the Polish Resettlement Act 1947. It is a residential and nursing care home for former members of Polish Forces under British control during the Second World War, and their immediate dependents. The Home is based near Newton Abbot, Devon. It is registered with the Care Quality Commission to house up to 95 residents including seven couples, although currently houses 44.

As resident numbers have declined in recent years, the MOD sought views on the future of the Home and on how best to manage future admissions and its long-term viability as a sustainable community that is beneficial to residents.

The consultation responses reviewed for this analysis comprised approximately 112 emails. These included individual submissions, campaign or template submissions, organisational submissions and at least one collective staff response.

3. What we asked

Alongside a campaign to raise awareness of the Home, the consultation sought views on two broad proposals:

• whether the MOD should set a future end date of Autumn 2027 for new admissions to IPPH, with a view to eventual closure, and
• whether the MOD should undertake ongoing reviews of resident numbers and, if numbers fall below a viable level, work with the charity sector and local authority to source alternative accommodation, while attempting where possible to recreate the Poland-specific nature of IPPH

4. Who responded

Responses were received from a wide range of individuals and organisations. Respondents included current residents’ relatives and representatives, former residents’ families, members of the Polish community, IPPH staff, veterans, elected and public representatives, community organisations and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

Respondent category	Nature of responses
Resident families and representatives	Substantive responses focused on resident welfare, dementia, language, continuity of care and the impact of relocation.
Campaign/template respondents	A large group of responses used common wording opposing closure, raising historic obligation, equality and cultural-care arguments.
Organisational stakeholders	Submissions included community and diplomatic stakeholders, with particular focus on future demand, publicity, eligibility and partnership models.
Staff	A collective staff response focused on continuity of care, relationships with residents and the difficulty of recreating IPPH elsewhere.
Veterans and public representatives	Responses raised heritage, safeguarding, veteran welfare and alternative use of the site.

5. Overview of responses

The consultation responses showed a high degree of consistency. The dominant position was opposition to ending admissions in Autumn 2027 and opposition to closure. Respondents generally favoured retention, adaptation or expansion of IPPH rather than managed decline.

The table below summarises the principal themes identified. The figures are indicative response-level coding counts. They identify how often a theme was raised in the reviewed pack; they should not be read as a count of unique individuals because some responses are duplicates, campaign submissions or collective submissions.

Theme raised	Indicative number of responses raising theme	Strength of theme
Opposition to ending admissions in Autumn 2027	c.100+	Very strong
Opposition to eventual closure	c.100+	Very strong
Polish language, culture, religion and community	c.90+	Very strong
Historic obligation / Polish Resettlement Act 1947 / Churchill’s Promise	c.85-95	Very strong
Relocation or dispersal risk	c.75-85	Very strong
Dementia care and continuity of routine	c.60-70	Very strong
Equality Act 2010 / Public Sector Equality Duty concerns	c.55-65	Strong
Widening eligibility criteria	c.45-55	Strong
Alternative governance or partnership model	c.30-40	Moderate to strong
Review closer to 2033 lease break point	c.20-30	Moderate to strong
Mixed occupancy or wider veteran use	c.15-25	Moderate
Consultation process concerns	fewer than 10	Limited but material
Explicit support for closure as proposed	0-2	Minimal

6. Analysis of responses

6.1 Future admissions to IPPH

The strongest and most consistent response was opposition to the proposed closure of admissions from Autumn 2027. Respondents argued that ending admissions would create a managed decline and make closure inevitable, regardless of whether future demand exists.

Many respondents said that demand cannot be properly assessed while current eligibility criteria remain restrictive. Others argued that the proposed publicity campaign should be allowed time to take effect before any admissions end date is set.

The main issues raised were:

• concern that the admissions cut-off would create a self-fulfilling decline
• concern that potential applicants would be deterred by a publicly announced closure trajectory
• arguments that awareness of IPPH remains limited among eligible families
• arguments that the proposal prejudges closure before alternatives are explored

Government response

The MOD recognises the strength of concern expressed by respondents that setting an end date for new admissions in Autumn 2027 could be seen as signalling a managed decline of IPPH. In light of the consultation responses, the MOD does not propose to treat closure as the current position. In relation to new admissions, the MOD will review the position at the end of 2027, once publicity linked to the 80th anniversary of the Polish Resettlement Act has taken place and there has been an opportunity to assess any effect on awareness and demand. That review will consider updated demand, current and projected resident numbers, the effectiveness of publicity activity and the operational implications of continuing admissions.

6.2 Future closure of IPPH

Most respondents opposed closure in principle. They described IPPH as a unique institution serving a cultural and historical purpose beyond ordinary residential care.

A large proportion of responses referred to Polish service alongside British forces during the Second World War, the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 and what respondents described as Churchill’s Promise. Closure was frequently characterised as inconsistent with those historic obligations.

Only very limited support was identified for closure as proposed. Some respondents acknowledged that resident numbers may decline over time, but still proposed retention, adaptation or alternative governance rather than closure.

Government response

The MOD acknowledges the depth of feeling about the historic context of IPPH, including references made by respondents to Polish wartime service, the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 and what many described as Churchill’s Promise. These matters have been raised consistently across campaign responses, family submissions, staff comments and organisational representations. The MOD will set out how this historic context has been considered alongside present-day responsibilities for resident welfare, value for money, care quality, estate management and future demand. The review at the end of 2027 will distinguish between recognising historic commitments and determining the most appropriate way for government to meet those commitments in the future.

6.3 Resident welfare and relocation

Concerns about the impact of relocation on residents were among the most significant themes. Family members and staff argued that IPPH provides a stable and familiar environment that supports residents’ wellbeing.

Many responses referred to residents living with dementia or cognitive decline. Respondents explained that some residents rely increasingly on Polish in later life, and that familiar language, routines, faith and cultural cues are important to communication, reassurance and dignity.

Respondents argued that moving residents could lead to anxiety, confusion, loss of relationships and physical or mental deterioration. Several said that alternative accommodation could not realistically recreate the same community environment.

Government response

The MOD recognises respondents’ concerns about the potential effect of relocation on elderly and frail residents, particularly those living with dementia or cognitive decline. Family members and staff emphasised that familiar language, routines, faith, cultural references and established relationships are central to residents’ wellbeing and dignity. The MOD will ensure that resident welfare remains central to any future decision-making. Person centred care will always be the basis for decisions on individual wellbeing. Before any relocation could be considered, the MOD will review individual care assessments, engagement with families and representatives. We will also be cognisant of Polish language and cultural needs, dementia-informed planning, and safeguards to protect continuity of care and relationships.

6.4 Polish language, culture and community

Respondents consistently described IPPH as a Polish-speaking community rather than simply a care facility. Common references included Polish-speaking staff, Polish food and traditions, Catholic worship, shared history and the importance of maintaining identity in later life.

Many respondents argued that these features are integral to care provision and not optional enhancements. This argument was raised by family members, staff, campaign respondents and organisational stakeholders.

Government response

The MOD accepts that respondents do not view IPPH simply as a residential care setting, but as a Polish cultural, linguistic and faith community. Responses highlighted the importance of Polish-speaking staff, Polish food and traditions, Catholic worship, shared history and the ability of residents to communicate in their first language. These factors will be reflected in the assessment of future options. If alternative provision is to be explored, the MOD will set out the standard of Polish language, cultural and faith support that would be required, and how such provision would be monitored and assured.

6.5 Equality considerations

A substantial number of responses referred to the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. Respondents argued that culturally appropriate care should be treated as relevant to national origin, language, age, disability and dementia-related needs.

The core concern was that removing culturally specific provision could disproportionately affect older Polish residents, particularly where age, disability and language needs intersect.

Government response

The Department notes the equality-related concerns raised by respondents, including references to age, disability, dementia, language, national origin and cultural identity. The Polish Resettlement Act 1947 clearly defines the eligibility considerations for IPPH. Equality impacts have been considered throughout the Department’s assessment process, and the Department will treat culturally appropriate care as a substantive issue raised by respondents, rather than as an incidental feature of provision; this will also inform the evaluation of future options.

6.6 Alternative proposals raised by respondents

Respondents proposed a range of alternatives to closure. The most common alternative was widening eligibility criteria. Respondents argued that demand may be suppressed by narrow eligibility and that future need may exist within the wider Polish community in the United Kingdom.

Other proposals included mixed Polish and non-Polish occupancy, use by the wider veteran community, charitable management, partnership with the Polish Government and review nearer to the 2033 lease break point.

Alternative proposal	Indicative number of responses	Summary
Widen eligibility criteria	c.45-55	Allow access for the wider Polish community, descendants of qualifying groups or full-cost residents.
Alternative governance / partnership	c.30-40	Explore charitable, UK-Poland or Polish Government partnership models.
Review closer to 2033 lease break point	c.20-30	Delay major closure decisions until later lease milestones.
Mixed occupancy / wider veteran use	c.15-25	Use surplus capacity for other residents or veterans while preserving Polish provision.

Government response

The MOD has considered the alternative proposals raised during the consultation. Following the review of occupancy at the end of 2027 the MOD will consider all these options. When a decision has been made, we will explain the rationale behind the decision made.

7. Conclusion

The consultation demonstrates substantial opposition to both the proposed cessation of admissions from Autumn 2027 and any future closure of IPPH. Responses consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining a Polish-speaking care environment, protecting residents from the impacts of relocation and preserving a community that respondents view as an important part of the United Kingdom’s historic commitment to Polish veterans and displaced persons.

Respondents also advanced a range of alternative options, including widening eligibility criteria, mixed occupancy arrangements, wider veteran use, partnership models and a later review point linked to the 2033 lease break.

Although many submissions used common campaign wording, the principal themes were reinforced by independent submissions from family members, staff, organisational stakeholders and public representatives. The consultation evidence therefore shows broad and consistent concern about the future direction proposed for IPPH.

The MOD will use the consultation evidence to inform the next stage of decision-making on IPPH. The department acknowledges the overwhelming opposition to ending admissions and to eventual closure and wishes to make clear that closure is not the current position. Admissions will be reviewed at the end of 2027 following publicity linked to the 80th anniversary. The review will consider future demand, resident welfare and equality considerations. Any next steps will include confirmation of legal and policy positions, engagement with residents, families and stakeholders, and will provide clear communication of the department’s decision and rationale.

In parallel to the recent consultation, the MOD has run a series of publicity events to increase general awareness of the Home, which has already generated six new applications for a place in the Home which are warmly welcomed.  Details on how to apply for residential and nursing care at Ilford Park Polish Home can be found online.

8. Annex A: Summary of themes and indicative coding

The table below summarises the main themes identified across the consultation response pack. Coding has been undertaken at response level. As some responses were campaign-based, duplicate, revised or collective, the figures should be treated as indicative.

Theme	Indicative coding	Main respondent groups raising theme
Opposition to ending admissions	c.100+	Campaign respondents; families; staff; organisational stakeholders
Opposition to closure	c.100+	All principal respondent groups
Polish culture and language	c.90+	Families; staff; campaign respondents; community stakeholders
Historic obligation / Churchill’s Promise	c.85-95	Campaign respondents; families; public stakeholders; organisational stakeholders
Relocation risk	c.75-85	Families; staff; elected/public stakeholders
Dementia / continuity of routine	c.60-70	Families; staff; some campaign and stakeholder responses
Equality concerns	c.55-65	Campaign respondents; organisational stakeholders; some family responses
Eligibility expansion	c.45-55	Campaign respondents; organisational stakeholders; bespoke respondents
Partnership / alternative governance	c.30-40	Organisational stakeholders; campaign respondents; bespoke respondents
2033 review point	c.20-30	Family respondents; Embassy-related submission; bespoke respondents
Mixed occupancy / broader veteran use	c.15-25	Bespoke respondents; veterans; public stakeholders
Consultation process concerns	fewer than 10	Families and representatives

9. Annex B: Respondent categories

Category	Description	Analytical significance
Families and representatives	Relatives and representatives of current or former residents.	Provided the strongest evidence on welfare, dementia, language loss and relocation impact.
Campaign/template respondents	Responses using common wording or campaign text.	Provided high volume evidence of opposition, especially on historic obligation, equality and admissions closure.
Organisational stakeholders	Embassy and community organisations.	Provided strategic arguments about demand, publicity, eligibility and partnership models.
Staff collective	Collective staff and Home Priest response.	Provided operational insight on care, relationships and cultural continuity.
Veterans and public representatives	Veterans, elected or local public stakeholders.	Provided views on heritage, safeguarding and broader veteran use.