§ Mr. Timothy Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is yet able to announce the outcome of consultation on the proposals in his Department' s document "A Good Home" concerning changes in the registration of private and voluntary residential homes.
§ Mr. NewtonWe received some 300 comments on our consultative document and in the light of these we have reached two main conclusions.
Changes are needed in the legal provision for the registration and inspection of residential homes. When the opportunity for legislation anises we shall provide for an improved definition of the establishments to be registered; a requirement on local authorities to inspect homes at least 489W once a year; a new system of appeals where registration is refused; and to create scope for establishments to register both for residential and nursing care.
We have also concluded that the improvement of standards in these homes will be assisted by a code of good practice. We have therefore accepted an offer from the Centre for Policy on Ageing to set up a working party to undertake this task.
These homes have an important role to play in the partnership between the public, and the voluntary and private sectors in providing care in the community. They can help people avoid unnecessary admission to hospital, or a prolonged stay there. We believe that the changes we propose will help them in this role.