Local government chiefs have requested David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband to soon approve the reform to elderly services.

They said that a failure to reach an agreement on the matter would result in delaying a long-term solution by years. The government officials and health experts have been concerned over how to pay for care for the rapidly ageing population.

They said that the delay would force councils to divert money meant for parks and libraries for filling the gaps in health services, local chiefs warned. The warning was written in a letter to three main party leaders by Sir Merrick Cockell, who is the chairman of the Local Government Association.

The association, which represents about 400 councils in England and Wales, drafted the letter with support from all the political groupings within the group.

“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. We cannot afford any further delays. We are clear that any such loss of momentum on exactly how care is funded is dangerous,” wrote Sir Merrick.

They are also urging the government to place a limit on the amount of money that anyone would have to pay for their care in old age.