To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department provides to private nursing home providers on their statutory obligations towards nursing home residents in their care. (267363)

All care and nursing homes, whether in the private, public or voluntary sectors, are required to comply with the Care Homes Regulations 2001 and to register with the regulator, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

CSCI regulates care homes in accordance with statutory regulations and national minimum standards, which govern the quality and safety of care and level of protection for residents. CSCI publishes a comprehensive range of guidance for providers of care on its website at:

www.csci.org.uk/professional

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure extra resources are made available to publicly owned nursing homes and local primary care trusts where private nursing home providers withdraw their provision. (267364)

It is for local authorities and the national health service to decide how to provide care in their areas, either through direct provision or by contracting with independent sector providers. Local authorities should ensure they have procedures in place to arrange care for residents if they have to move care homes for whatever reason and that capacity exists to deal with such eventualities.

Councils have received record increases in funding—39 per cent. in real terms—since 1997. The increases, which will rise to 45 per cent. by 2010-11, mean local authorities have the resources they need to arrange care to meet the needs of their local communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has compiled a list of approved private nursing care home providers. (267365)

No. All care homes are required to register with the regulator, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). Registration by CSCI signifies that a home meets statutory requirements governing quality and safety and is permitted to operate.