On 24 September 2026 the Public Services Commission has called for evidence, by 26 October 2026, to inform its Inquiry into children’s social care, including the changing demand for funding, the supply of residential placements, and the impact of market  management measures pursuant to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.

The principal issue arising on the appeal in R ( TDB ) v HARINGEY LBC ( “)”^ ) EWCA Civ 1184 is whether the local authority is required to carry out an assessment of the appellant’s capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 BEFORE completing its Care Act assessment. The answer ( para 91 and following ) is “ Yes “, “ whenever there is reason to doubt the capacity of a person “ whose needs for care and support are being assessed. The capacity assessment is to be carried out by an appropriately qualified professional.