David Stout, NHS Confederation deputy chief executive, said:
"The announcement of today's draft Care and Support Bill will bring some hope to elderly people and their carers. But draft legislation means that political agreement on this issue is still some way off.
"Our current model of social care is broken and we desperately need a long-term, sustainable resolution if we are to avoid further negative impact on local government and NHS services.
"We cannot emphasise enough just how critical it is to create a sustainable and high quality solution.
"The NHS and our social care systems are inextricably linked and each relies on the other working effectively to make sure people get the best care available.
"We need a system which provides the best possible care for older people and reduces crises leading to emergency hospital admissions.
"We urge the Government to treat this issue as a real priority. None of us - patients, carers, staff or government - can afford for this to be kicked into the long grass again."
