SIR – Writing on behalf of the growing number of unpaid carers across Bradford and Airedale, there is one clear new year’s resolution that should be adopted by politicians at national and local level – to reform the current care system.

Our ageing population is rising far faster than the national average – a knock-on effect of medical advances and the ‘baby boom’ generation.

This is something that we should celebrate, especially as many of those people who are living longer are those with disabilities and long-term conditions.

But, far more worrying, it is also a fact that our current health and social care system has found it impossible to keep up with the pace and magnitude of change. It is no longer equipped to support the growing number of people who need care.

This failure impacts on the independence and dignity of older and disabled people, but it also is a huge burden on society, family life and the economy.

Nationally, it is estimated that as many as 800,000 older people are left without basic care – and left vulnerable and isolated as a result.

In Olympic year, if there is anyone who deserves of a medal at the moment, it is our team of unpaid carers.

Anne Smyth, Founder and Director, The Carers’ Resource charity