Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she is taking steps to increase the number of care home staff in (a) England and (b) Gloucestershire; and if she will make a statement.

Local authorities are responsible for ensuring there is sufficient workforce capacity to meet the care needs of the local population. The Government continues to support local authorities and providers to address workforce pressures. On 22 September, we announced an additional £500 million for social care this winter to facilitate the safe discharge of patients and recruit and retain care workers.