Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to bring forward legislative proposals to reduce the abuse of older people in social care; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has no plans to bring forward legislation to reduce the abuse of older people in social care.

The Government is committed to preventing and reducing the risk of harm to people in vulnerable situations.

The Care Act 2014 statutory guidance states that local authorities should ensure that the services they commission are safe, effective and of high quality. Where it is suspected that an individual may be at risk of abuse or neglect local authorities have a duty to carry out proportionate enquiries.

Regulated providers have a key role in safeguarding adults. All professions are subject to employer checks and controls and employers in the health and care sector must satisfy themselves regarding the skills and competence of their staff and the Care Quality Commission monitors how well providers are doing this.