Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what contingency plans they are putting in place to continue to provide social care services in April where independent care providers withdraw their services due to the increase in employer National Insurance contributions.

Local authorities are best placed to understand and plan for the needs of their population, which is why the Care Act 2014 places a duty on them to shape their care market to meet the diverse needs of all local people.

Local authorities also have a temporary duty under the Care Act 2014 to ensure continuity of care if a provider exits the market due to business failure. This is to ensure that people continue to receive the care and support they need.