Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that the monthly visits required under regulation 26(2)(c) of the Care Homes Regulations 2001 are carried out by individuals who are independent of the care provider.

The Care Homes Regulations 2001/3965 were revoked by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Commencement No.16, Transitory and Transitional Provisions) Order 2010/807 on 1 October 2010. Regulation 26(2)(c) of the Care Homes Regulations 2001 is no longer in force, and the requirements of this provision have not been replicated in the subsequent regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator for health and social care in England. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the CQC monitors, inspects, and regulates adult social care services, including care homes, to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. Inspection reports on individual providers are made publicly available.

Where concerns on quality or safety are identified, the CQC uses its regulatory and enforcement powers available and will take action to ensure the safety of people drawing on care and support.