The government has announced a 5.4 per cent increase in funding for nursing care in the community.

Care homes that provide tailored nursing care to patients in the community will get a funding boost to provide specialist care.

It is hoped this will reduce pressure on hospitals by preventing unnecessary admissions, as well as supporting the discharge of patients into social care settings to free up beds in hospital.

The weekly standard rate per person provided for NHS-funded nursing care will increase from £254.06 to £267.68 from 1 April 2026. The money will be paid by the NHS directly to care homes.

The uplift is supported by funding made available at the latest Spending Review.