What characterizes the relationship between councils and care homes according to the social care framework?

The relationship between councils and care homes is characterized by the requirement for councils to provide sufficient care home provisions as outlined in the social care framework. This means that councils have a duty to ensure that there are enough care homes available to meet the needs of the local population, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

Councils assess the demand for care and ensure that adequate facilities are in place, which includes not just the number of care homes but also the quality of care offered. This reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the well-being of residents and ensuring that they have access to appropriate care services. The emphasis is on sufficiency; councils must meet the needs, rather than directly providing or owning the homes themselves.