Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to issue guidance for local authorities on (a) how and (b) when local authorities should (i) reverse and (ii) restore any Care Act easements used.

The Department worked with stakeholders to develop guidance for local authorities on Care Act easements. Local authorities should reverse Care Act easements when they are able to comply with their Care Act duties in full. The easements are time limited and should be used as narrowly as possible. All assessments and reviews that are delayed or not completed must be followed up and completed in full once the easements are terminated. The Department will consider whether it is necessary to issue any further guidance.