Failure to reform the long term care (LTC) system could force the closure of parks, libraries and public toilets the leaders of every major council in England and Wales have warned.
A letter to all three main political parties has warned that any loss of momentum in the reform of long term care would be "dangerous".
The letter, from Sir Merrick Cockell, the chairman of the Local Government Association, warned on lack of action and said: "It will increasingly limit the availability of valuable local discretionary services as resources are drawn away to plug the gap in care funding."
"For too long we have toyed with adult social care reform and failure to act now may be the failure that tips the system over.
"Nobody - whether from central or local government, providers, the third sector or the public - wants that to happen so it is incumbent upon us all to bring about real change. This absolutely must include funding and we urge the government to be courageous."
The letter asks the Government to commit to capping LTC costs, as recommended by the Dilnot Commission Report.
Commenting, olser persons consumer group Saga endorsed the warnings.
Dr Ros Altmann, Director General, Saga, said: "The Government must act urgently. Today's letter speaking on behalf of 400 councils in England and Wales adds to the unprecedented level of agreement, across all parties involved in social care, that reform is desperately needed and cannot be left any longer.
"Andrew Dilnot has given a framework and now the Government must act. Fast.
"We believe an integration between health and social care services budgets would make more sense than just leaving the social care of our aging population to already cash-strapped councils as demand continues to rise."
"Policy makers need to pull their heads out of the sand and address these priorities."
