Children who have been taken into care should be able to enjoy the same things as others their age - such as having sleepovers, the Government has said.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls is writing to all 60,000 children in care telling them they have new rights to have their opinions listened to before major changes such as living with a foster carer or decisions on pocket money and bedtimes.

After speaking to children in care, Mr Balls is to demand children are no longer expected to move their possessions to a new home in a black bin-liner.

Mr Balls said: "I was horrified to learn that when children in the care system are moved between placements they are often given just a bin-bag to put their possessions into. I want these children and young people to be treated with the dignity and care that we afford our own children.

"They must be given appropriate luggage. It might seem like a small step but it is a big and important gesture for the vulnerable children in our care to feel respected and loved."

Mr Balls' letter will be put out with a report on progress since the Care Matters programme began in 2007.

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