The growing numbers of old people in Surrey who need care is causing financial problems for Surrey County Council.

Surrey faces a 69 per cent increase in people aged over 75 between 2006 and 2031 and by 2025 a quarter of Surrey's population will be aged over 65.

The county council is calling on residents to have their say in the big care debate about new plans to pay for the care of the elderly.

Last month the government published a consultation document spelling out its proposals for ways to improve a care and support system for adults in England which is struggling to meet the demands of a population that is getting older.

The Shaping The Future of Care Together Green Paper recognised the need for radical reform of the social care system to make it fairer and simpler.

The county council wants as many people in Surrey as possible to give their views on the three options put forward by the government.

The proposals cover: The government and the person needing care sharing the responsibility of paying for it, with the state paying a minimum of 25 per cent.

A voluntary insurance scheme under which the government pays for a minimum of 25 per cent of the cost of care.

A compulsory insurance scheme for all people who can afford to pay, with those who can’t receiving free care.

Michael Gosling, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Every one of us will come into contact with the care system at some point because people are living longer, so we need a consensus about the best way forward for all of us.

“It is vital that the public, individually and through the voluntary and community sector, contribute to the debate if a system that is as clear, fair and affordable as possible is going to be created.

“At the county council, we believe it is right to explore a system that recognises that the state can’t pay for everything.

"A sustainable system of care must strike the right balance between providing essential help for those who need it the most and encouraging people to save to pay for their own care.”

To make comments on the government’s proposals, go to http://careandsupport.direct.gov.uk/.

• What do you think? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.