by political editor Paul Francis

Kent County Council is stepping up the pressure on the government to act on the "horrendous" care costs facing thousands of elderly people.

Conservative council leader Paul Carter has launched a Downing Street petition demanding the government implement a cap on the amount people pay for their care.

If enough people sign, Parliament could be forced to hold a debate on the issue.

The ageing population means the cost of care is likely to be one of the greatest financial challenges facing the government.

But it has yet to act on its own study - the Dilnot report - that recommended a cap to ease the burden on those who are often forced to sell their own homes to look after themselves when they are older.

Cllr Carter said the costs to the government of bringing in a cap - estimated at about £1.7bn a year - would be worth it.

"For many of us there will come a time when we will need help getting through the day.

"The question of how it will be paid for can be overwhelming, and too often results in people having to sell their homes and lose their life savings to pay for this help.

"The uncertainty of not knowing what the bill might be and how it will be paid can be both frustrating and incredibly stressful for families.

"There is, however, a solution out there - but it has not yet been taken up by government."

Implementing the recommendations would spare many from the anguish of difficult decisions, he added: "We believe it is a price worth paying to cap the horrendous costs on some families and individuals of paying for care in their old age.

"the government should make the elderly a priority. it is the right thing to do" – kcc leader paul carter

"Ministers have been considering this report, but no decision has been made.

"We believe it should be implemented by Government by 2015, reducing the financial impact for older people and ensuring a cap on costs for everybody."

He urged the government to act quickly.

"The government should make the elderly a priority. It is the right thing to do and once you had a cap, the insurance market would see the potential."

Currently only those whose assets, including their home, are worth less than £23,000 receive state help.

Earlier this week, former care minister Paul Burstow called for winter fuel payments to be means tested so the Dilnot recommendations could be funded.

If more than 100,000 people sign Cllr Carter's petition, the House of Commons will hold a debate on the subject.

You can sign the petition here:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43330