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Proposed increases in NHS contributions to the nursing costs of people in long-term care are insufficient and could end up increasing hospital admissions, care home leaders have said.

Rises in the Registered Nursing Care Contribution would not meet increasing nursing costs, said the Registered Nursing Homes Association and the English Community Care Association.
From April, the top band of the contribution, for those with the highest needs, will rise from £129 to £133 a week, the medium band will increase from £80 to £83, and the bottom band will remain at £40.

RNHA chief executive officer Frank Ursell said most patients in nursing homes were not having their nursing costs met by the NHS.

ECCA chief executive Martin Green said the "slim increases" would increase hospital admissions.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "This year's increases are, once again, in line with the increases in nurses' pay."