Q&A: Social care

Image source, SPL

Image caption, Thousands of frail and vulnerable people rely on care services organised by councils

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced government plans for wide-ranging social care reforms in England in a statement to the Commons on Monday.

But what is the situation in England at present and why is reform necessary?

Those with assets worth less than Β£123,000 will be means-tested for support. The average value of homes - most people's largest asset - shows that those below the qualifying threshold live mainly in the Midlands and north of England.