Elderly residents could be booted out of their homes as Kingston Council considers the future of its remaining two residential care homes.

Both Hobkirk House, in New Malden, and Murray House, in Kingston, are under threat of possible closure, as the council believes continuing to run them as they are would not be viable.

There are currently 10 residents living in Hobkirk House and 28 in Murray House.

Some of the residents living in Murray House were forced to move out of Newent House in Surbiton when it was closed last year.

Councillor Mary Clark said: “It is a closure. It’s not rocket science. It has obviously been on the cards, but there has been a halt on it. And there is no public consultation as of yet.

“These people should not be moved again – they are vulnerable people, their health could be affected. It was documented that they would not be moved again. We should abide by what we say.”

But fellow Conservative Councillor Julie Pickering, lead member for health and social care, said: “These are vulnerable people and we have to look at the wider picture of what we want within five or 10 years. If that means change, we have to work out how to manage change.”

In 2011, the council, then under Liberal Democrat control, decided to stop expanding its existing care homes and help residents live independently at home or in private care homes.

Beds at both Hobkirk House and Murray House each cost the council about £200 a week – higher than what it would be in the independent sector, according to official documents.

Findings from a consultation into Hobkirk House will be relayed back early next year. A consultation for Murray House is expected to begin in March next year.

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis said: “I would like to see a new Hobkirk House doing different things.

“We don’t intend to close Murray House. We are just reviewing the use of the provision. Part of it is planning what we are going to do for the future of care.”