Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ensure that people will not be separated from their spouse or partner if one requires residential social care.

The Care Act 2014 specifies that local authorities and their relevant partners have a reciprocal responsibility to cooperate to promote the wellbeing of adults with care and support needs. We recognise how important it is to allow care home residents to maintain contact with their loved ones safely so they are not unduly separated where residential social care is required. Since 17 May 2021, care home residents have been able to nominate up to five visitors, including their spouse or partner, for regular visits into or outside the home and have been able to undertake a number of activities outside the care home without the need to self-isolate on their return. All residents can nominate an ‘essential care giver’ who will have the same testing and personal protective equipment arrangements as care home staff so that they can also provide extra support.