House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 September 2023 · 5 other contributors · 5,521 words
Opened by Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Responding minister: Neil O'Brien
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Helen Hayes raised concerns about lgbt+ people and spouses: social care in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asked the Minister what progress has been made since the publication of the LGBT action plan five years ago and requested actions to protect LGBTQ+ residents in social care. She specifically asked for measures to ensure that gathering experiences from LGBTQ+ residents is part of standard CQC inspections, preventing abuse-rated care homes from continuing their 'good' status, and expanding Pride in Care standards.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The MP highlighted the case of her constituent Ted Brown and his late partner Noel Glynn, who suffered homophobic abuse in a care home despite being civil partners. The couple was awarded £30,000 in compensation after a court ruling, but the damage had already been done. She cited a report by Compassion in Care that documented 486 cases of homophobic abuse in care settings, with many providers still rated as 'good' by the CQC despite these incidents.
Mr Gwynne raised concerns about discrimination against LGBT+ individuals in care homes, citing a survey where 23% of respondents reported negative effects due to their orientation. He highlighted cases of abuse and neglect, such as the treatment of Noel Glynn, whose partner was advised not to reveal their relationship status. Mr Gwynne asked the Minister to review inspection guidance to consider homophobia or transphobia, ensure personalized care despite staff shortages, and implement monitoring for LGBT+ experiences.
Congratulates the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood on securing this debate; raises concern about bad actors in social care settings who can cause long-term damage to vulnerable people despite reasonable recruitment policies; suggests that police records should prevent such individuals from entering or remaining in the sector.
She paid tribute to the work of York LGBT Forum and highlighted issues faced by LGBT+ people in social care, including being ignored, feeling shame, and having their relationships erased. She called for LGBT awareness training and urged the Care Quality Commission to monitor staff training. She also raised concerns about the need to honour dying wishes regarding gender identity.
He asked the shadow Minister about fair pay in social care, specifically mentioning the Liberal Democrat proposal for an additional £2 per hour minimum wage for social care workers.
A gay couple in West Hampstead were taunted with offensive questions about their sexuality on a bus, leading to a brutal attack. Rainbow Europe recently announced that the UK has fallen from 1st place to 17th in terms of safety for LGBTQ people.
Government Response
Neil O'BrienI pay tribute to the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Helen Hayes) for securing this debate on a hugely important issue. I express my sympathy to Ted for the appalling, abhorrent experience that he and Noel suffered. People have a right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect, with high-quality care tailored to their needs regardless of background or sexual orientation. The Minister acknowledges guidance and legislation ensuring inclusive social care, highlighting the harrowing report 'Stripped of all Pride' by Compassion In Care and paying tribute to whistleblowers for speaking out against abuse. I highlight the importance of safeguarding systems, local authority duties under the Care Act 2014, and the role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in assessing equity outcomes for LGBT individuals. The CQC's new duty to assess local authorities' delivery of their Care Act duties went live in April 2023. I also mention the Department's funded delivery partner Skills for Care producing resources for care providers to develop equality and diversity standards, recognising specific LGBT community care providers such as Tonic. Leadership is key to developing an inclusive culture, emphasising that social care settings must be suitable for everyone.