Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has issued guidance to local authorities on supporting people in social care accommodation to remain in the same town or local area when their accommodation is reallocated or closed.

Adult social care plays a vital role in supporting people to live independent, fulfilling lives. This Government understands how significant these services are for those who rely on them, as well as for their families, carers and local communities. Any proposal to change or close services must therefore be handled with sensitivity, transparency, and care.

Local authorities are best placed to understand local needs and to plan, shape and manage their care markets accordingly. While central Government is not involved in making these decisions, all local authorities must continue to meet their duties under the Care Act 2014, including the duty to promote individual wellbeing. This requires them to have regard to people’s views, wishes and feelings, and to engage meaningfully with those affected by any potential changes. This includes commissioning a variety of different providers and specialist services that provide genuine choice to meet the needs of local people and that offer quality and value for money.

When re-commissioning and replacing services, local authorities should carry out activities to maintain quality and service delivery that supports the wellbeing of those who draw on care and support. When a care home closes, it is important that the provider allows for proper arrangements to be made that ensures for the safe and satisfactory transfer of all residents to suitable care provision which meets their needs. Adequate time should be allowed, so that residents, their relatives and carers have a choice in alternative care provision and are caused the minimum possible discomfort.