Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to reports this evening on the NHS Better Care Fund, said:

“Under this Government, health policy seems to lurch from one shambles to another. This is further evidence that you can’t trust the Tories with the NHS.

"After a botched £3 billion re-organisation, the NHS simply could not afford to rush ahead with these back of the envelope plans.

"This was a panicked response to Labour’s plans for full integration. It was never properly thought through and was set on a dangerous and unrealistic timetable.

"This news will only deepen confusion in the NHS about Government policy. It is suffering from a real lack of leadership when it desperately needs a clear direction at a time of tight finances. David Cameron and Jeremy Hunt must urgently clarify the status of the Better Care Fund.”