According to a recent independent review of the United Kingdom's social care system, there is currently a £1.7 billion a year gap in the social care budget that needs to be filled by either raising taxes, by finding additional spending cuts, or through a combination of both.

The figures are based on a proposed individual costs cap of £35,000 per person in the social care system, which the independent review recommends in order to the elderly to receive sufficient care and support.

With the release of the review, it is now widely expected that the Dilnot Commission, which is chaired by Andrew Dilnot, as well as other campaigners will not increased pressure on the government to adopt proposals that will fill this large budgetary gap.

According to Dilnot, "The issue of funding for adult social care has been ignored for too long".

An analysis that was made by Age UK was handed over to the Treasury and proposed that the social care funding gap be closed by making those working past the normal retirement age pay national insurance contributions. Or, Age UK proposed that a 0.25% rise in insurance contributions be made across the board in the United Kingdom.

However, many ministers along with the Treasury have reservations about these proposals.