§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what responsibilities are placed upon private and local authority residential care homes to provide adequate care, supervision and access for 239W inspection by local authorities and central Government; and what sanctions are taken against residential care homes which do not meet expected standards.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Residential Care Home Regulations 1984 which took effect from 1 January 1985 specify the services and facilities to be provided in voluntary and privately run residential care homes and the way in which they are to be conducted. In addition, my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Social Services and the Secretary of State for Wales have commended "Home Life", a code of practice for residential care, as a guide to the standards they expect local authorities to have regard to both in registering and inspecting these homes and in running their own homes. Registration authorities may refuse or withdraw registration from persons who do not comply with the registration criteria.
The Department's social work service officers are empowered to enter and inspect these homes and similar homes operated by local authorities.