Care Homes: Safety Ratings

Lord Scriven Excerpts

Wednesday 5th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

To take the second question first, the commission will start its work in April. The noble Baroness, Lady Casey, has agreed to lead that review. The terms of reference will be published, and the first report will be with us next year. On the important point about IT, as I mentioned in response to the noble Lord, Lord Patel, that problem arose in 2023. The CQC has acknowledged, as we have, that there have been huge challenges with the provider portal and the regulatory platform. The Dash review talked about poorly performing systems hampering ability. This is not how the system should work. As we move towards the 10-year plan, and from analogue to digital, we will have that front and centre in how we work.

[Lord Scriven (LD)]

My Lords, the Secretary of State in July said that

“the CQC is not fit for purpose”.

Given the systematic failings still within that organisation, what timescale have the Government given the CQC to become fit for purpose?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The Secretary of State did indeed say that, and he was right to do so, in the spirit of transparency. The fortnightly meetings which I mentioned will be a constant assessment until we have met the necessary timeframes that are only reasonable to assist people in making decisions. All of that—how might I put it?—deep focus on the CQC will continue. I do not think this will be quick, but it will be thorough.