Health minister Stephen Ladyman has detailed a £60 million fund to help councils provide assistance for older people seeking to live independently.

Grants from the Partnerships for Older People Projects (POPP) encourage local authorities to work together with NHS, voluntary and community sector partners to introduce new ways of supporting older people.

The government wants to reduce emergency trips to hospitals by helping older people lead active and healthy lives.

Ministers want to see more older people supported in their own homes, and more active rehabilitation and health promotion.

Ideas contained in the green paper on adult social care, due to be published shortly, will also be considered under the scheme.

Government Response: Department of Health

Community care minister Stephen Ladyman said: "The government wants older people to live as independently as possible and have great quality of life. That means keeping older people fit and healthy and out of hospital.