Martin asked the Leader of the House – the minister responsible for organising government business in the Commons – to consider holding a Parliamentary debate on the criteria the Care Quality Commission (CQC) operate. This potential debate would seek to determine whether standards in care homes have dropped or that the CQC criteria have become more vigorous.
Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes)
I, too, join in the congratulations to the Leader of the House and the Deputy on their new roles. Earlier this week a critical report from the Care Quality Commission was published branding a care home in my constituency inadequate. This is a continuation of a number of serious and critical reports, some of which have resulted in the closure of care homes. May we have a debate about the criteria CQC operate and whether it has become more rigorous, or whether there has indeed been a decline in the standards in these care homes?
Mr Lidington
My hon. Friend makes a good case, and I hope he might want to take this subject to the Backbench Business Committee because the questions he raises will concern a large number of constituencies and many Members from all parties.
You can read the full debate here.