Independent Commission on Adult Social Care

Lord Sikka Excerpts

Monday 9th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As I said earlier, that will be a matter for the noble Baroness, Lady Casey. But I have every confidence that all the groups the right reverend Prelate referred to will be included, not least because the noble Baroness and the secretariat have already met, travelled widely and had many conversations, including with some 400 groups and individuals, focusing particularly on those with lived experience.

[Lord Sikka (Lab)]

My Lords, 83% of adult social care is controlled by private equity. Its business model includes high prices, profiteering, low wages, asset stripping and tax abuse. It has profit margins of between 20% and 40% from adult social care. When are the Government going to end profiteering in this sector and ensure that social care is provided by not-for-profit entities only?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

Various sectors have their role to play, and that includes the private sector, the voluntary sector and the public sector. As I have mentioned, we are building a national care service. It will focus on a high quality of care, greater choice and control for individuals and joined-up neighbourhood services, exactly as noble Lords request.