Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the Government's timeframe is for implementing the recommendations of the forthcoming investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into children’s residential care.

In March 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a market study examining the lack of availability and increasing costs in children’s social care provision, including children’s homes and fostering agencies. The CMA examined concerns around high prices paid by local authorities, and the inadequate supply of appropriate placements for children. Its interim report was published on 22 October 2021. Its full report, including recommendations, was published on 10 March 2022 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childrens-social-care-market-study-final-report.

The department welcomes the report and is carefully considering the CMA’s recommendations. At this point, the department is unable to comment on timeframes for implementation of the recommendations, until it has fully considered the findings contained in the final report. The department commits to responding to the report within 90 days.