Watchdog says too many people experience a ‘one-size-fits-all’ care service, despite attempts by the government to personalise care.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection's report on social care in England 2007-08 found the Department of Health's Putting People First initiative had not really improved the care most people received.

The CSCI chairman, Dame Denise Platt, said: ‘People who need social care should be seen as individuals, first and foremost. The support they receive should be tailormade, allowing people to live their lives as they choose. If we get it right for people with complex needs, it is likely that we'll get it right for everyone.’

The report discovered an improvement in the overall performance of councils and care services, but are still concerned about people being lost to the system because they were ineligible for funded support.

Director general of Age Concern, Gordon Lishman said: ‘The report highlights the widespread discrimination against older people in the drive to more personalised care. Older people who get direct payments are likely to get far less money than younger people with similar needs.’

‘We are also very concerned at the lack of information, advice and support for those receiving direct payments.’

And Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, said: ‘When services work well and are tailored to people's needs they not only improve the lives for older and disabled people, but they give carers the opportunity to get some of their own lives back. With the right support many are able to combine caring with paid work, whether full- or part-time, have a regular break and have a social life.’