The announcement of a 'lifetime cap' on social care costs this week has created opportunities for local government in the care insurance market, senior councillors told The MJ this week.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt told the Commons on 11 February that the Government is proposing to cap lifetime social care costs at £75,000 from April 2017. However, this figure would not cover accommodation and food – which averages about £7,000-£10,000 a year.