NEARLY £3billion will be spent to clear 15,000 elderly Brits out of hospital beds so coronavirus patients can be treated.
The cash will be used to support vulnerable Brits to leave hospital quicker as the NHS ramps up its preparations to cope with the looming surge in cases.
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Around half the money – £1.3bn – will be go to the NHS so health chiefs can discharge patients more quickly.
The rest of the cash – £1.6bn – will go to councils so they can beef up the support they give to people vulnerable to Covid-19.
This includes the homeless and those needing adult social care.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This funding will help the NHS and social care services in our communities to rise to this once in a generation challenge by allowing the NHS to do what it needs to, and help move people out of hospital as soon as possible to get them back home with the right support.
“We are clear that we will do whatever it takes to protect lives and protect our NHS.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “I’ve been clear that the NHS and other vital public services will receive whatever they need to protect people from coronavirus.
“Our £5billion Budget response fund is now being used to free up more beds in hospitals and ensure some of our most vulnerable people are getting the care they need.”
Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick said: “The work of local authorities to deliver social care and other vital public services has never been more important than it is now – and will be – in the days and weeks ahead.
“That’s why we’re giving local councils £1.6 billion of additional funding to spend where it’s needed most, to ensure they can meet the cost of the increased demand for social care, and continue to protect the most vulnerable people in society.
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