Responding to the Department of Health and Social Care announcement today that funding for the social care workforce will be halved, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"It's hugely disappointing that funding for the social care workforce has been halved. This comes as capacity in the sector is at its lowest with 165,000 staff vacancies due to recruitment and retention challenges.

"Social care staff deliver vital work, supporting people to stay independent in the community and preventing the need for hospital care. Worryingly, the additional funding for housing and unpaid carers promised in the adult social care white paper has also been cut.

"The focus on digitisation, regulation and better data is positive, but will need appropriate resource and expertise.

"The social care sector urgently needs sustainable funding and reform, but the longer we wait for this, the more pressure will be put on the entire health and care system. And while funding for discharges through the Better Care Fund is welcome, its impact will be limited without more investment in the social care workforce.

"The government must recognise the vital role social care plays in keeping people well at, or closer to, home and reflect this with adequate funding and support."