Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data sources his Department is using to monitor whether visits are taking place in line with the guidance on visiting in care settings.

The Department uses the Capacity Tracker to collect monthly visiting data that is self-reported and submitted by care providers in England. In the week ending 14 December 2022, 98.6% of care homes were able to accommodate visits in all circumstances. We continue to engage with the Care Quality Commission, health protection teams and stakeholders to monitor visiting and gather feedback, recognising the negative impact that not receiving visitors has on residents’ health and well-being.