As the starting pistol for the General Election has now been fired, we want to see the care of older and vulnerable people in this country’s society take centre stage.

For too long, social care has been chronically underfunded. We call on each party to set out how they will end the postcode lottery of care and the balance of responsibility between the individual and the state.

As the demand for social care will increase year-on-year, this is a critical opportunity to set realistic expectations. When aspiring MPs come looking for support we need to question them hard to ensure they realise that the funding debate cannot be delayed. The new Government needs to sort this out over the next 12 months. Remind them what was said in 1997.

Mike Padgham, United Kingdom Homecare Association Ltd, Eastfield House, Eastway, Eastfield, Scarborough.