England FNC rates rise to £267.68 from April 2026
From 1 April 2026, the NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) rate in England increases. A new statutory instrument lifts the standard weekly payment to £267.68 and confirms the preserved higher band at £368.24. Made on 3 March and laid before Parliament on 4 March, it updates regulation 20 of the Standing Rules. The instrument was signed for the Department of Health and Social Care by Minister of State Stephen Kinnock.
If you’re supporting an older relative, studying health policy, or teaching social care, here’s the plain-English version. FNC is the NHS’s flat weekly contribution towards nursing provided by registered nurses in a care home with nursing. The money goes from the NHS straight to the care home to cover the nursing element of someone’s care, not food, accommodation, personal care, or extras. (nhs.uk)
FNC is not the same as NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). CHC is a full package of NHS care for people with the most complex needs; if you qualify for CHC, the NHS pays for all assessed health and associated social care needs. FNC applies only if you do not meet the CHC threshold but you’ve been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse in a care home with nursing. (nhs.uk)
What’s actually changed? In 2025/26 the standard FNC rate was £254.06 a week, with a higher rate of £349.50 for people who were already on the historical ‘high band’ before 1 October 2007. From 1 April 2026 the rates rise to £267.68 and £368.24 respectively-about a 5.4% uplift on last year. The high band remains a protected legacy rate for a small group of long‑standing residents. (nhs.uk)
Who sets and pays this? The rate is set nationally in the ‘Standing Rules’ and paid by the NHS-either NHS England or your local integrated care board (ICB)-directly to the care home. ICBs took over commissioning functions from clinical commissioning groups on 1 July 2022, and the NHS Commissioning Board is now simply NHS England under the Health and Care Act 2022. (england.nhs.uk)
How do you become eligible? You should be screened for CHC first. If you’re not eligible for CHC but you do have nursing needs in a care home with nursing, the ICB can record eligibility for FNC without making you repeat lots of forms. If you haven’t been assessed recently, ask your ICB or care home manager for an up‑to‑date review. (nhs.uk)
What will you see on bills? Because FNC is paid to the provider, you won’t receive the cash. Instead, your care home invoice should reflect the NHS contribution so you’re not charged for the nursing part twice. From April, ask the home to confirm when the new £267.68 (or £368.24 if you’re on the preserved high band) is applied and shown clearly on statements. (nhs.uk)
For context, the rate has been moving up each year via statutory instruments. In April 2024 the standard rate rose from £219.71 to £235.88; in April 2025 it rose again to £254.06, with government press notices confirming both changes. This year’s instrument continues that annual reset. (publications.parliament.uk)
Teachers and students: this is a neat example of delegated legislation. Parliament gives the Secretary of State powers under the NHS Act 2006 to set ‘standing rules’. The 2022 Act refreshed how those rules work in today’s NHS structure, which is why you’ll see references to NHS England and ICBs in the legal text. (legislation.gov.uk)
What should you do now? If you or a family member lives in a care home with nursing, check that a CHC decision is on file and that FNC is considered where appropriate. If you disagree with an eligibility decision, you can ask your ICB for a review. From the first April billing cycle, make sure the updated FNC amount is reflected so your out‑of‑pocket costs are accurate. (nhs.uk)