Care Services Inquiry

The results of our year-long Inquiry into the state of care services for older people in London have now been published.

Based on the extensive collection of evidence from older people and their carers, care staff and managers, regulators, and local authority and NHS commissioners, plus special research studies, the Inquiry's key finding is that there are major shortcomings in current arrangements for the support of older Londoners and their carers. The Inquiry has looked at the root of these problems and makes 30 recommendations for action, relating not only to London but also nationwide.

To read our findings in more detail, see the publications below.

The Business of Caring

Business of Caring cover image Janice Robinson and Penny Banks
Concerns about the care system for older people have been commonplace in recent years. Aware of these concerns, the King’s Fund established an Inquiry into the way in which care services are provided for older people in London. This report calls for investment in market development, reform of social policies and mobilisation of more public and private resources.

Looking Forward to Care in Old Age: Expectations of the next generation

Cover image of Looking Forward to Care in Old Age working paper Ros Levenson, Mercy Jeyasingham, and Nikki Joule
What do today's middle-aged people expect of care services in the future? Based on discussions with seven focus groups of people in their 50s, living in different communities in London, this paper reports on what kind and quality of care they want, and the type of housing, residential and community care options they expect. It also probes how roles and people's expectations of children to care for their parents are changing.

Understanding Public Services and Care Markets

Cover image of Understanding Public Services and Care Markets working paper Ann Netten, Robin Darton, Vanessa Davey, Jeremy Kendall, Martin Knapp, Jacquetta Williams, Jose Luis Fernández and Julien Forder
Most formal care services for older people are funded by the public sector, but they are largely supplied by independent providers. This paper looks at what factors influence the 'mixed economy' of the care market – including what funding is available and from where, and how commissioning works – and the role played by service users. It also examines how markets for home care, care homes and extra care housing work; how the market performs as a whole; and how policy and practice should be developed.

Commissioning Care Services for Older People: Achievements and challenges in London

Cover image of Commissioning Care Services for Older People working paper Penny Banks
What services are available to older people is determined to a large extent by how care is commissioned locally. This paper examines how care is being commissioned in six London boroughs, and how local authorities are working with their primary care trust partners, to transform the mix of services on offer. It shows how service users are involved, and assesses the extent which commissioners understand and manage the market and respond to need. It also highlights factors that are helping or hindering commissioning practice across the capital.

Trends in the London Care Market 1994–2024

Cover thumbnail of Trends in the London Care Market 1994-2024 William Laing
The demand for care and support in old age is growing nationally, but London faces some particular challenges. For example, although there are fewer older people in inner London, many are likely to need social care as a result of poor health, poverty, poor housing and lack of social support. This paper shows how London differs from the rest of England, examining past, present and future trends in its population profile, and in the resources and services available for older people. It casts light on some controversial issues such as levels of expenditure on residential and home care services, and finding care home places for older people outside the London area.

See also