Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that care providers do not use contact restrictions as a punitive measure against families who raise safeguarding concerns or complaints regarding the quality of care provided to learning-disabled individuals.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that people in health and care settings can maintain meaningful contact with those who matter the most to them. This principle is central to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

It is unacceptable for care providers to punish people for raising safeguarding concerns or complaints. The Government is clear that professionals applying the Mental Capacity Act are expected to keep up to date with guidance and caselaw, and to correctly use the principles within the act. Any restrictions placed on a person must be in that individual’s best interests, necessary, and proportionate. Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidance states that complainants must not be discriminated against or victimised, and people's care and treatment must not be affected if they make a complaint, or if somebody complains on their behalf. Where anyone alleges poor care, neglect or abuse, we expect those providing the service, local authorities, and the CQC to take swift action. The CQC will investigate any such cases shared with them.