Currently 6,500 people are in the moderate care bracket in Lancashire, with 554 in Preston.

All will have their needs re-assessed from February 2008, with some re-banded into the higher 'substantial' and 'critical' brackets where they will keep services.

But opposition councillors said the council's main priority is saving money and thousands will lose out.

Conservative County Coun Geoff Driver said: "The recipients of frontline services are often the most vulnerable in the county. I'm concerned that many will fall below the radar.

"The Government has not given enough money to the council, but this is also of the county's making because its spending priorities are all wrong."

For those whose care is removed, private, voluntary and independent sectors will offer replacement services including home help,luncheon clubs and meeting groups.

Coun Chris Cheetham, county council Cabinet member for Adult and Community Services, said: "This current way of delivering services is not sustainable in the long term.

"This decision is not about reducing budget as we still continue to spend over £381m per year on adult social care."

Geraldine Moore, chief officer at Age Concern Lancashire, said: "We are committed to working with the county council to help ensure that older people in the county receive the type of support they need to continue to lead independent lives and to take part in community activities."