Privately run care homes operated by the firm Excelcare have been the subject of an investigation and report by Essex County Council's policy development group.

A report like this is not a normal routine affair. It requires special circumstances. Such special circumstances exist in spades.

The report was prompted by numerous expressions of concern about Excelcare's ten Essex homes. These reflect similar approaches made to this newspaper by those who have had dealings with these places.

By the simple act of mounting an investigation, Essex County Council has acknowledged the depth of its concern.

Sadly, though, the investigation has been compromised so completely that the Echo doubts whether its conclusions can achieve credibility.

The situation requires a stringent, objective investigation. But objectivity was negated when the chairman of the policy group, Bill Dick, held a meeting, behind closed doors, with representatives of Excelcare.

Following this meeting, he has given the homes a clean bill of health. Apparently, this is because Excelcare bosses told him that everything was alright.

The report should not be determined on the private representations of an interested party. We urge all members of the committee to think carefully before passing the report when it comes up for rubber stamping on January 23.