Written question asked by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 December 2007. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 December 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Care Homes: Complaints

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the merits of establishing an independent complaints body for self-funders and part-funders in care homes;

Answer: People who have their care part-funded by the local authority can complain through the local authority social services complaints procedure and, if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of their complaint, they can ask the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate.The issues relating to complaints by self-funders in care homes are currently under consideration, but there has not yet been any assessment of or consultation about the various options that might be available.

Secondary information