Homecare providers in England face increasing risks due to outdated or missing ratings, with serious consequences for both services and care recipients.

A significant number of homecare providers in England are operating without up-to-date inspections, according to a new report by the Homecare Association, which highlights the dangers of a malfunctioning regulatory system. As of June 2023, 60% of homecare organisations were either rated out of date or had not been rated at all by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with 37% of providers last rated between four to eight years ago and 23% never having been assessed.

This situation has left many providers struggling with outdated or absent ratings, which could ultimately put vulnerable people at risk. The report from Dr. Jane Townson, the chief executive of the Homecare Association, stresses that some providers have even lost contracts or faced closures due to the lack of current ratings, while others are hindered by delayed registrations.

The situation has worsened over time as the number of registered community social care locations has soared from 2,303 in 2013 to 12,574 in 2023. However, the CQC’s resources have not kept pace with the expansion, further complicating the inspection process. Local authorities have also promoted the growth of small homecare providers, with 85% employing fewer than 50 staff, making inspections increasingly difficult to manage.

The report criticises the CQC for failing to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities, stating that this failure risks not only the safety of people receiving care but also the long-term sustainability of homecare services. “Without effective regulation, care providers face severe challenges, and the public’s confidence in the safety and quality of care diminishes,” Dr. Townson said.

This comes after a previous report in July found that the CQC has been struggling to identify poor performance in the sector, with inspections of hospitals, care homes, and GP practices also lagging behind. In some cases, organisations had not been inspected for years, leading to an environment where the safety and quality of care are not regularly assessed.

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the concerns raised in the report, calling the current situation “unacceptable.” It has already introduced measures to address the issue, including increased oversight of the CQC, which has committed to ramping up inspections. The government is also working on creating a National Care Service to improve the regulatory framework and ensure better care standards across the country.

The Homecare Association has called for urgent reform and additional resources to address the regulatory challenges. It has also recommended modernising the CQC’s systems to ensure that care providers are regularly assessed and that those receiving care are protected from potential risks.