Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Government's response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights' fourth report on Protecting Human Rights in Care Settings, conclusions 18 and 19, published on 16 December 2022, for what reasons his Department is not considering legislation in relation to care users and visiting arrangements in care settings.
Answer
The Government’s guidance states that every resident should be able to have at least one visitor in all circumstances. The Department uses the Capacity Tracker to collect monthly visiting data that is self reported and submitted by care providers in England. As part of every care home inspection, the Care Quality Commission specifically asks if the service is facilitating visits in accordance with current guidance and it can take regulatory action when required. We are working to review a range of options to help avoid instances where residents are unable to receive visitors.