Under section 47 of the Care Act 2014 the council must take all reasonable steps to protect the property of a person who is being cared for away from their home including when a person is in hospital and in accommodation such as care homes.

The council has a responsibility to make arrangements to protect the property of the person if they cannot make the necessary arrangements to protect their property themselves.

The Care Act 2014 also states that the council has the power to enter a person’s property to ensure steps are taken to prevent or mitigate the loss of or damage to moveable property and provide temporary protection of property where it appears to be in danger of loss or damage.