Slowly the politicians are getting there. The Coalition's midterm report at the beginning of the year promised a significant announcement on social care and there is now a positive response to Dilnot's recommendations on limiting personal liabilities for the costs of care.

This is less generous than recommended and not effective until 2017 but it is a positive step. Meanwhile Andy Burnham has announced 'whole person care', effectively one system for health and social care at the heart of Labour's policy review.