Owners and directors of care homes where elderly people are mistreated will face jail under a new law making them corporately accountable for any neglect and abuse. Care homes that cover up incidents of neglect and abuse also face prosecution under a new, legally binding duty of candour for staff. Under the plans managers will also be legally obliged to inform relatives if an elderly person is mistreated. The Sunday Times of 28th April says the new rules will be outlined in a consultation by the DoH within weeks. “If these new rules are adopted, it will be a big step forward in ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults”, says County Councillor Bill Winlow