NURSING homes could lose their care home registration under new regulations introduced after prompting by Leigh MP Andy Burnham.

The move comes following complaints about fee retention.

The new government regulations follow a motion tabled by Mr Burnham to prevent some nursing homes profiting from measures meant to ease residents' financial burden.

Since October 2001 the NHS took responsibility for funding the registered nurse care required by those having to pay the whole care cost package.

But the government found some homes used the opportunity to raise fee levels, in some cases by the amount the NHS determined their nursing need.

Mr Burnham said: "Since this issue was brought to my attention by families with relatives in nursing homes, I have raised it in Parliament on a number of occasions. Sixty MPs have now signed my motion calling for steps to be taken against the nursing homes concerned and for the money to be passed on to whom it rightfully belongs."

"I am pleased that the Government has responded and taken action against the homes concerned."

The package of measures include:

amendments to care home regulations to oblige homes to provide a fee breakdown

a central core contract to spell out how nursing contribution is accounted for

Health Minister Jacqui Smith said: "These new measures will ensure that residents and their families receive comprehensive information about what their fees are paying for. It is also important that the good practice that is already being carried out in some care homes is spread across the whole country."

Mr Burnham intends to pursue the matter with nursing homes funding has not been forwarded to individuals.