Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and Paul Burstow

Tuesday 18th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

Mr Paul Eccles is a constituent of mine. He is a qualified care assistant who wants to go freelance and set up his own business, helping people in their own homes. However, the annual up-front £1,000 charge of the Care Quality Commission is preventing him from starting this new venture. Will the Secretary of State meet me so we can find a way to help my constituent get his business off the ground?

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul Burstow)]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight how well-intended regulation can sometimes be a way of blocking effective growth and the opportunities available for new people to set up businesses in the care sector. I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that matter.