The hidden, human costs of the UK’s failing ‘market’ for home care

Abstract

Prompted by the news of yet another private home care provider going out of business and handing back their care contracts to the local council, this piece discusses key reasons why the quasi-market in adult social care in the UK continues to fail. The commentary highlights the negative impact of such market failures for service users, their families and care staff, and suggests the steps that need to be taken to improve the situation.