Companies who own care
homes in England where abuse is carried out should face unlimited fines
and criminal sanctions, the former English care homes minister says.
Lib Dem Paul Burstow says tougher laws are needed to ensure
care providers are held criminally accountable for abuse and neglect on
their premises. In cases such as at Winterbourne View, he says firms must be responsible for abuse "taking place on their watch".
Ministers have suggested they would be prepared to look at the proposal.
The MP, who was care services minister until leaving the
government in September 2012, will outline proposed legislation in the
Commons today [January 16] which he says would see justice done for future
victims of abuse and their families.