Politicians must work together to find long-term solutions on care reform‚ says Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ as new figures reveal six out of ten1 think politicians are not doing enough to work together to improve the care and support system for older people.

A new poll for the charity revealing the extent to which care reform has risen up the political agenda shows that eight out of ten adults believe it is among the most important issues in the coming election. 15 per cent of people say it is the single most pressing question for the election‚ with this number rising to one third among people over the age of 65.

Following the recent political spotlight on care reform‚ findings show almost a fifth of over 55s believe care is the most important issue for politicians to improve the lives of people over 65 and  nine out of ten adults think that the political parties should work together to reach an agreement on care reform.

Age Concern and Help the Aged released the findings today ahead of its cross party care summit on social care reform.  The event will bring together Secretary of State for Health‚ Andy Burnham MP‚ and Shadow Secretaries Andrew Lansley MP and Norman Lamb MP‚ providing a neutral platform for the main political parties to debate how the current social care and support system could be improved.

Chaired by Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow‚ the summit will address the current challenges for the care system.  The summit will include speeches from the three spokespeople; a question and answer session with an audience of older people‚ carers and care experts; and an opportunity for the politicians to participate in in-depth discussion groups.

Michelle Mitchell‚ Charity Director‚ Age Concern and Help the Aged said:

“Our survey clearly shows that care in old age is an important issue to all age groups‚ not just those already in later life.

“Millions of older people and their families have been let down by an inadequate care system for far too long.  We deserve a system that guarantees dignity and fairness and which provides quality care regardless of our wealth or where we live.

“We need a mature debate on social care reform and hope that our care summit will be the first step in helping politicians put forward long-term solutions that will benefit generations to come.”

The charity estimates an annual increase of £370 million over each of the next five years is needed simply to keep up with the rising costs of caring for an ageing population.