Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the number of residential care homes constructed with reinforced autoclave aerated concrete.

The Department does not hold information about the building or maintenance of care homes in England.

Adult social care (ASC) is provided through a largely outsourced market of commercial organisations and charities and is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, providers must make sure that they meet the requirements of relevant legislation so that premises and equipment are properly used and maintained. They are responsible for their own building maintenance and there should be regular health and safety risk assessments of the premises (including grounds) and equipment.

Reinforced autoclave aerated concrete is a longstanding issue, and there is guidance available to support ASC sector building owners to identify and assess any issues and, if necessary, to take remedial measures to make their buildings safe.