Right to independent advocacy for care home residents

That this House recognises that many people living in registered care settings do not have appropriate family members or friends available to support them in expressing their views, understanding decisions about their care, or exercising their rights; notes that existing statutory advocacy provisions under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 are limited to specific circumstances and eligibility criteria, leaving many residents without access to independent advocacy; further notes that social isolation, frailty, disability and dependency can make it difficult for individuals to have their voices heard; believes that all residents of care settings should have access to independent support where no suitable informal advocate is available; and calls on the Government to amend the Care Act 2014 to introduce a statutory right to independent advocacy for residents of registered care settings who do not have an appropriate friend or family member able and willing to represent their views and interests.