Provider groups reject ‘Ofcare’ calls

E3M, the representative body for social enterprises in health and social care, has called for an Ofcare’ style body to fulfil a similar role in economic regulation of care as bodies such as Ofwat for water and sewerage and Ofgem for gas and electricity. Other representative bodies, however, argued there was no need for more regulation in the sector. The call came at roundtable meeting organised by E3M in London last month. Whether the economic regulator would be a new or existing body such as Monitor, its responsibilities would include the establishment of a nationwide methodology for determining reasonable prices for residential and home care services, based for example on Laing & Buisson’s fair price’ model. Chief executive of the English Community Care Association (ECCA) Martin Green, said he was unsure that another regulatory body would be helpful.