PRESS RELEASE: Adult Social Care report

Covid Inquiry: Government knew of rising reports of neglect of older people, says Hourglass

 

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20.10.26

 

Hourglass has called for the Covid-19 Inquiry’s care sector report to lead to lasting changes in how older people are protected from abuse and neglect, after the Inquiry recorded that the UK government knew about rising demand for the charity’s helpline during the first lockdown.

 

The report states that government was aware calls to Hourglass had increased by at least 30%, including a sharp rise in reports of neglect, particularly in care homes. It also finds that the suspension and subsequent limitation of in-person inspections likely contributed to safeguarding concerns going unidentified and unreported.

 

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse of older people, has campaigned for scrutiny of the pandemic response since 2020, when it joined legal action seeking an urgent inquiry into PPE failures. Chief Executive Richard Robinson subsequently gave both written and oral evidence to the Inquiry’s Module 10 domestic abuse and safeguarding roundtable in April 2025, describing how older victims were trapped with perpetrators and cut off from support.

 

Responding to today’s Module 6 report, Hourglass CEO Richard Robinson said:

 

“This report records that government knew our helpline was receiving more calls, including a sharp rise in reports of neglect in care homes. The warning signs were there while the crisis was unfolding. Older people and their families are entitled to ask why that knowledge did not translate into better protection."

 

“The consequences described by the Inquiry are appalling: neglect, failures of basic care, suffering that went unseen and families prevented from being with someone they loved at the end of their life. These were people whose safety depended on systems that failed them."

 

“Hourglass warned during the pandemic that isolation could increase the risk of abuse and make it harder to seek help. When family visits were restricted and routine inspections suspended, vital opportunities to identify harm were lost. The Inquiry finds that reduced in-person inspections likely contributed to abuse and neglect going unidentified and unreported.”

 

“In our written evidence to the Inquiry, Hourglass described older victims as ‘locked in and left behind’. Today’s findings on the care sector reinforce the need to confront how easily older people’s voices, rights and safety can be overlooked when decisions are made on their behalf."

 

“The recommendations on visiting, inspection and end-of-life care training must now be implemented, with named responsibility, published deadlines and scrutiny of delivery. Older people must retain access to trusted people, independent oversight and a means of reporting abuse, including during an emergency."

 

“But our ambition must extend beyond preparing for another pandemic. We need a comprehensive Safer Ageing Strategy that tackles ageism and abuse, backed by sustained, ring-fenced funding for specialist services supporting older victim-survivors."

 

“For bereaved families and those who survived abuse or neglect, the test will be whether this report changes what happens when an older person needs protection. That is the responsibility governments must now fulfil.”

 

ENDS

 

Hourglass is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or texting SAFER to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and supporters will be opting in to hear more about Hourglass’ work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. To donate without receiving marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

 

Hourglass media contacts:

 

Richard Robinson, CEO – richardrobinson@wearehourglass.org | 07552 245232 / 07807 229447

 

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO / Policy Director – veronicagray@wearehourglass.org | 07496 663816

 

Notes to Editors:

 

Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity focused solely on ending the abuse and neglect of older people.

Every year, one in six people aged 60 and over experience abuse - equivalent to almost 2.7 million older people across the UK.

 

The charity provides a free 24/7 helpline (0808 808 8141), community-based support and policy advocacy focused on creating a safer ageing society.

 

About Hourglass

 

Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people. The charity works to raise awareness, influence public policy and provide support to older victim-survivors and those concerned about them.

 

Hourglass operates the only UK-wide 24/7 helpline dedicated to the abuse of older people, providing confidential information and support every day of the year on 0808 808 8141.

 

www.wearehourglass.org.uk

 

Hourglass is a registered charity in England and Wales (1140543) and Scotland (SC046278).