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£4.6 Billion Social Care Boost: 80,000 More People to Receive Better Community Nursing Support

Government increases NHS-funded nursing care rates by over 5% to ease hospital pressure, fund fair pay for care workers, and lay foundations for a National Care Service

Funding Increase for Community Nursing Care


The government has raised funding for NHS-funded nursing care in community settings by over 5%, effective from 1 April 2026. This increase will:


  • Enhance support for 80,000 vulnerable individuals in care homes.
  • Reduce hospital pressure by preventing unnecessary admissions and speeding up discharges.
  • Free up hospital beds by enabling faster transitions to social care.


The new rates are:


  • Standard weekly rate: £267.68 (up from £254.06).
  • Higher weekly rate: £368.24 (up from £349.50).


Broader Social Care Investments


This funding boost is part of a wider £4.6 billion investment in adult social care by 2028/29, aimed at improving care quality, choice, and control. Key initiatives include:


  • £500 million for the first-ever fair pay agreement for care workers, addressing recruitment and retention challenges.
  • £723 million for the Disabled Facilities Grant in 2026/27, helping disabled adults adapt their homes.
  • Increased carer’s allowance thresholds, the biggest uplift since the 1970s, to support unpaid carers.
  • Biggest increase in a decade to the Minimum Income Guarantee, aiding disabled adults with cost-of-living pressures.


Toward a National Care Service


The funding aligns with the government’s long-term vision for a National Care Service, designed to:


  • Integrate health and social care, ensuring seamless support for individuals.
  • Improve care quality and accessibility, reducing inequalities in provision.
  • Support workforce development, including better pay and training for care staff.


Baroness Louise Casey is leading an Independent Commission on adult social care, with initial reform recommendations expected later this year.


Statements and Impact


  • Hospital Pressure Relief: The funding will help reduce NHS backlogs by enabling faster discharges and preventing avoidable admissions.
  • Care Worker Support: The fair pay agreement aims to stabilize the workforce, addressing staff shortages and improving care quality.
  • Long-Term Vision: The National Care Service represents a structural shift toward a more sustainable, person-centered care system.