Norman Lamb has launched new plans for national minimum social care standards and eligibility criteria, which councils must provide after 2015.

The proposed standards aim to establish a national threshold, beyond which councils will not be able to reduce eligibility levels.

The plans aim to provide clarity and reassurance for anyone who moves from one local authority to another about the level of services they will receive.

There will also be an eligibility level for carers, which has never existed before.

‘We know people are often confused about what care they cane expect from their local authority and far too many end up having to fight for the care they need, because the rules are so complicated,' said care minister, Mr Lamb.

‘A national minimum is exactly that,' he added. ‘A starting point for local councils to base their care provision on.

‘We are also starting work on a new approach to eligibility, which aim to offer some help to families earlier on to help prevent a deterioration of condition, this summer.'