People living in nursing homes in England are to receive an extra �10 every week in government contributions to their care from April.

Ministers describe the contributions, towards the cost of administering drugs and giving injections, as free nursing care.

But for most people the actual bill is much higher and campaigners say they are not getting a fair deal.

The majority of nursing home residents in England will still receive far less than those in Scotland and Wales.

In England, three rates of weekly contribution - paid directly to the homes - are based on an assessments of patients' needs.

Those needing the most basic nursing care receive �35, people with more complex needs �70 and patients needing most help �110.

The first two rates will rise by �5 and the top one by �10.

But in Wales all patients receive �100.

In Scotland they receive more than �200 to cover personal care, including help with washing and dressing.