Councillors' ratings plan for care home contracts

Higher ratings gave more reassurance to residents and families, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said

Residential and nursing homes in Stoke-on-Trent could have to reach new standards to be awarded future contracts, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has said.

If approved by councillors, only premises rated as good or outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) would be successful.

There are 63 residential homes and 18 nursing homes with council contracts across the city, the council said.

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services, said it would give residents and their families an extra level of reassurance.

“If we introduce these new contracts it would allow the council to standardise the levels of quality expected of these homes, using the CQC ratings as the benchmark," he said.

“It’ll bring in an extra level of reassurance for residents and their families knowing that we have a new stronger contract to raise the quality of care in the city.

“If it’s brought in with the support of the cabinet, our social services team will work closely with our current and future providers."

If a home is waiting for the CQC to review its rating, which can take time, the authority said in some cases it would allow homes to tender for contracts while going through the council's own checks and processes.

The proposal will be discussed by cabinet members on 10 September.