Responding to the Social Care White Paper published today, Michael Kitts, partner, government and public sector, PwC said

"Some progress has been made, but many questions remain unanswered and the issue of future funding has not been addressed.

"There is still lots of uncertainty. For example, the level, and application of any cap on care costs; how residual costs beyond the cap are funded by local authorities and others, and the practical details of loan schemes, such as how local authorities can fund the cost of care, which will be an immediate requirement, pending the agreement of any loan.

"But local authorities cannot wait until all of this becomes clear to take action. The demographic shift and demand for care services is not going away. By 2033, a tenth of the population will be over 75.

"Authorities need to take action on managing demand as well as supply of services. Better modelling, forecasting and management information is need to support earlier intervention, and prevention. In our experience, serious inroads can also be made into the cost of provision, in the way in which services are commissioned and managed, and the how effective the processes underpinning them are."

David Brown, insurance partner and member of the Caring for our futureexternal reference group welcomed the publication of the white paper but commented

"It's unfortunate that there will be a delay in resolving the funding position. A number of the leading insurers support the Dilnot Commission's recommendations and the Government's stated intention to implement them. Having discussed with CEOs, the products and support the industry can provide, I am convinced we can implement a service that supports people in what will be a difficult and often distressing phase of life. However the Government now needs to make a firm commitment to funding reform. We hope clarity can be brought forward quickly."