§ 105. Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are taken by his Department to monitor the quality of care provided for recipients of supplementary benefit in residential care.
§ Mr. PortilloIn England and Wales voluntary and privately-run residential care homes with more than three places have to be registered with local social service authorities under the Registered Homes Act 1984. Authorities are obliged to inspect registered homes at least once every 12 months and can do so at any time of the day or night without prior notice. The Residential Care Homes Regulations 1984 specify the services and facilities to be provided including staffing. In addition, a code of practice on residential care, "Home Life", has been drawn up by an independent working party and endorsed by my right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. The code promotes a framework to help registration authorities in their registration, inspection and support functions, and assists those running homes to clarify their aims and objectives. Much emphasis is placed in the code upon the quality of care received by residents. The registration and inspection system for homes in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.