The proposal to penalise social services for delays in older people leaving hospital has prompted a fierce response from Alison King.

Ms King told BBC Radio Norfolk that taking money out of the system or apportioning blame "isn't anything like a sensible way of tackling this issue".

Bed blocking occurs when patients who are scheduled to leave hospital remain there because of a lack of available facilities in the community for further care.

The costs we are going to have to fork out for these fines will be equivalent to several care beds

Alison King, Norfolk council leader

"We all want to see people moved from hospital into a setting that is appropriate for them at the appropriate time", said Ms King.

"Of course, sometimes because of a lack of capacity in the sector we just don't have the places available at the time they are needed."

Ms King said that fines against local authorities will deplete funds meant for the care of those taken ill.

"The costs we are going to have to fork out for these fines will be equivalent to several care beds."