Private Firms Reshape England's Care Market

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England's social care sector faces rapid consolidation as large private companies and international investors acquire care homes at unprecedented speed. The Care Quality Commission, the sector's regulator, warns that this market concentration could undermine the government's plan for a universal care service. The five largest firms have increased their market share by 26 percent over two years and now own one in every seven care homes. While consolidation can bring operational efficiencies, the regulator expresses concern that concentration may drive prices higher and compromise quality standards across the sector.