A new report from the Homecare Association has revealed “critical failures” in the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) regulation of home care services in England.

This, the organisation claimed, is putting people drawing on home care at risk and causing harm to care providers.

The analysis identified several issues allegedly undermining the CQC’s performance.

These included: severe resource constraints, with registered community social care locations increasing around 450% over a decade, while the CQC’s resources have remained static; a dysfunctional funding model; ineffective IT systems; misalignment with local authorities; and poor leadership at the CQC.

The Homecare Association also claimed in a press release that “the CQC is prioritising care homes over home care”.

These systemic issues, the report said, have led to worrying outcomes, including: 

• 60% of homecare providers are either unrated (23%) or have severely outdated ratings (37%); 
• Insufficient inspections are jeopardising service quality, safety and public confidence; 
• Providers face crippling registration delays, inconsistent inspections and communication breakdowns with the CQC. These are causing serious financial detriment.

Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association, commented: “The state of home care regulation in England is like a ship taking on water, with a crew using buckets instead of pumps to bail it out.

“People relying on care services are at risk of being left adrift, while dedicated care providers are fighting to stay afloat in a sea of regulatory dysfunction.

“Imagine running a restaurant where health inspectors haven’t visited in years, yet you’re still expected to maintain the highest standards with no feedback or support. That’s the reality for many care providers today. The commercial damage is severe.

“Providers are losing contracts and going out of business because of registration delays and outdated or non-existent ratings. 

“We’re not just highlighting problems; we’re offering solutions for improvement. It’s time to rebuild our regulatory system. The CQC needs a lifeboat of resources, modernised systems, and a realistic understanding of regulatory costs. 

“This is about safeguarding the quality of life for people who rely on care services and ensuring a sustainable future for care provision. We’re ready to partner with CQC to navigate these changes, but we need the government to chart the course. The wellbeing of those receiving care is at stake – we must steady this ship before it’s too late.” 

The report outlines urgent recommendations, including: a comprehensive review of the CQC’s resource needs; major IT system upgrades; and improved coordination between the CQC and local authorities. 

A press release from the Homecare Association concluded: “Policymakers must grasp the interconnections between regulation, commissioning, funding, and provision of quality care. A regulator like CQC cannot succeed in isolation or without adequate resources. Ability to regulate effectively depends on intelligent market shaping, adequate human resources, effective systems, and flexibility to adapt to the realities of the care landscape.

“It is in everyone’s interests to align funding, resources and incentives to support the provision of high-quality, sustainable care. We stand ready to support CQC as it works to improve and transform the way it performs its duties as a regulator.”