The Liberal Democrats are calling for a higher minimum wage for social care workers to help tackle staff shortages. Under the party’s plans, staff would be paid at least £2 an hour more than the minimum wage – currently £9.50 an hour for over-23s.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said carers were not valued enough, and vacancies had left the NHS “on its knees”.

The government said it was working to reduce vacancies, and is increasing funding for social care in England…

The Lib Dems said the policy would be funded by increasing the tax on online gambling providers’ profits to 42%. The tax – know an Remote Gaming Duty – is currently 21%.