Almost half of care homes in England were found to be failing in 2022 as the CQC focused on risk-based inspections where there were areas of concern.

Figures revealed by ITV show that of 2,934 inspections carried out in 2022, 1,224 were rated as Inadequate or Requires Improvement.

Responding to the news, Claire Rintoul, chief executive of Sheffield based charity, Sheffcare, said not enough money was being invested in social care, adding: “Nobody wants to fix it, nobody wants to own it. That means we can’t afford to pay staff what they’re worth, it makes it difficult to recruit staff, it makes it difficult to retain staff. I just think it’s a national disgrace.”

Of England’s 23,793 care homes, 16% (309) are rated Inadequate or Requires Improvement.

Just 20 (less than 1%) were rated Outstanding during inspections in 2022 as from 1 February last year the CQC focused on services where there was evidence that people were at risk of harm or where it could increase capacity in the system.

A CQC spokesperson said: “For the period covered in this analysis, CQC was undertaking a programme of risk-based inspections. This was to ensure our inspection activity was focused on locations in which the quality of care was of concern.

“The majority of care homes in England are Good or Outstanding and this reflects the incredible efforts of carers and providers who have gone above and beyond to provide high quality care. However, where concerns are brought to our attention we will not hesitate to act.

“We will always follow up on information of concern, and where there is risk we will inspect to ensure that people are safe and receiving high quality care. Where we find people are at risk we will take further regulatory action to ensure people’s safety and human rights are upheld.”

The CQC announced yesterday that it is adjusting its regulatory activity until the end of March 2023 to focus on care homes that could be uprated, including those currently rated Requires Improvement where there is evidence to suggest there may have been improvement since the last inspection.

The CQC said this may result in more homes being rated Good or Outstanding and create more suitable capacity for commissioners to help ease winter pressures on the NHS.