Health Secretary Matt Hancock has just announced an extra bit of cash to reduce what’s pejoratively termed 'bedblocking' - the delayed release of people from hospital because appropriate care at home or in residential care facilities cannot be found. In particular, this money seems to be primarily directed at home care to help ease 'winter pressures' on the NHS.

While cash-strapped councils are likely to welcome any help on offer, it’s estimated that around a billion pounds is required just to shore up the crumbling independent care market. 

It’s not hyberbole to say that the social care system is on the brink of collapse. It’s not just bedblocking that’s the problem. There are some other worrying signs on the horizon: