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<p>This response relates to adult social care in England.</p><p> </p><p>Adult social
care is largely delivered through an independent sector of care provider organisations
that operate in a competitive market. Whilst many people pay for their own services,
both local government and the National Health Service commission services for people
who have eligible needs and are financially eligible. The Government works with local
authorities to encourage good practice in commissioning services, producing guidance
and through a sector-led improvement programme.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises
that the care sector is operating in a challenging financial environment and continues
to engage with the care sector, including nursing care providers, to understand their
concerns about their financial viability and the sustainability of services.</p><p>
</p><p>The trade bodies Care England and the United Kingdom Home Care Association
have convened a provider Taskforce, with membership from the larger care home and
home care operators and representatives from the Care Providers Alliance. Officials
from the Department of Health, and other Government Departments attend the taskforce
meetings as observers. The Taskforce has discussions about risks to financial viability,
local authority commissioning and the impact of the introduction of the National Living
Wage.</p><p> </p><p>The Department is working closely with the Local Government Association
to consider targeted action to address the issues.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, on 13
July 2016, the Department announced that the NHS-funded Nursing Care (NHS-FNC) rate
was being increased on an interim basis to £156.25 per week for individuals assessed
as eligible. This increase was to be backdated to 1 April 2016 for individuals who
were in receipt of NHS-FNC at that time.</p>
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