More than 5,000 care homes across England have not received a full inspection in at least five years, raising fresh concerns over patient safety and oversight within the adult social care sector.
New analysis revealed that 5,429 of England’s 13,475 registered care homes — more than 40% — had not undergone a full inspection by the Care Quality Commission since February 2021.
The figures, covering the period up to 1 March 2026, were uncovered by Dr Kevin Groombridge, chief executive of Care Inspections UK and lead developer of the International Standard for Adult Social Care.
Regional data showed major differences across England.
The South East recorded the highest number of care homes without recent inspections, with 1,136 out of 2,543 homes not receiving a full review in the past five years.
The West Midlands and East of England also reported high levels of uninspected homes, both standing at around 45%.
London recorded the lowest proportion, with 29% of care homes lacking a recent full inspection.
At local authority level, the figures were even more striking.
Windsor and Maidenhead topped the list, with 87% of care homes not inspected since 2021, followed by Tower Hamlets at 83% and Wokingham at 81%.
Dr Groombridge called for urgent changes to the inspection system and questioned whether the CQC is still capable of fulfilling its responsibilities effectively.
“How can families feel confident that their loved ones are receiving the care they deserve if inspections are not taking place regularly?” he said.
He also criticised delays in publishing inspection reports, warning that some families wait months for updated information about care standards.
According to Groombridge, the lack of timely inspections and reporting undermines transparency and public trust in the care sector.
Responding to the findings, Chris Badger acknowledged the need for improvement.
He said the regulator is “on track to meet assessment targets as agreed with the Department of Health and Social Care”.
Badger added that the CQC continues monitoring services between inspections in order to focus resources on providers considered highest risk.
The findings are likely to intensify pressure on the regulator as concerns continue over staffing shortages, funding pressures and standards of care across England’s adult social care system.