Charity chiefs have spoken out against the omission of elderly care reform from the new government's coalition agreement.

The three main parties pledged major changes in the system during the lead up to the election.

Last week, dozens of charities and local authority chief executives signed an open letter asking why the topic was ignored in last week's coalition agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Leon Smith, chief executive of Nightingale in south London, agreed with the letter and said: "It is deeply disappointing that the issue of social care - the most challenging facing our population - was omitted by the new coalition administration.

"Political leaders need to find a real lasting solution to the problem and can no longer expect charities such as Nightingale simply to absorb more and more of the financial burden."

Simon Morris, chief executive of Jewish Care, said: "Ensuring we have a fair and effective way of providing high quality long term care for the elderly is an urgent issue.

"The issues facing the Jewish community are mirrored by those faced nationally and it is vital that priority is given to developing a fair and sustainable way of meeting the needs of this most important and growing section of our society."