A two-year delay on implementation of a lifetime cap on social care costs has been described as a “stain on the nation” by Sir Andrew Dilnot.

Dilnot, who first proposed a cap in 2011, told the i newspaper chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s decision to delay implementing the £86,000 lifetime limit until 2025 was causing families “extraordinary distress”.

The two-year delay to reforms, which were due to be implemented in October 2023, also included increasing the eligibility for means-tested financial support to people with assets up to £100,000 from £23,250 currently.

Dilnot said: “We’ve failed yet again, as a whole society to look after this group of people. And it’s a stain on the nation.

“It’s the only big risk that we all face where there’s no risk pooling available and that leaves people vulnerable at a time when they really shouldn’t be vulnerable. So I think it’s terrible, that we haven’t made progress.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Last year, we listened to local government concerns and took the difficult decision to delay charging reform. This funding is being retained in local authority budgets. 

“We remain committed to reform, and are investing up to £700 million over this year and next to make major improvements to the adult social care system. This includes £42.6 million to support innovation in care and increasing the Disabled Facilities Grant by £50 million.

“Additionally, we have made up to £8.1 billion available to help local authorities tackle waiting lists, low fee rates, and workforce pressures, £570 million of which will help local authorities improve adult social care provision, in particular by boosting the workforce.”