The LGA has joined an alliance of charities, think tanks and health insurance firms calling on leaders of the three main political parties to reach consensus on funding long-term care for elderly and disabled people.

In an open letter to David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband the signatories, who also include Bupa, Age UK,the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, social workers and care groups,warn the current system is 'at breaking point'.