Billions of pounds in UK public funds are going to private equity firms, which have a reputation for lowering standards for profit. Most alarmingly, these firms are getting money for services supposedly caring for people in vulnerable situations, including children. Private equity firms profiting from essential services An extensive Guardian analysis showed that private equity firms have spread into: The social care sector. Private equity has developed a “large presence in adult and children’s social care”, including for people with mental health issues or learning disabilities. Residential care giant Four Seasons Health Care was one example of the debt accumulation and…