Vulnerable disabled people in NHS care homes in East Lancashire were the victims of “disturbing and systematic” abuse by carers, a shock report has found.

Hundreds of criminals, including those accused of sexual offences, have avoided prosecution after a “cover-up” in magistrates’ courts, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

Council social services for adults have been praised for improving performance for the fifth successive year.

{mosimage}The Commission for Social Care Inspection said the number of English councils attaining two or three stars out of three rose from 78% to 81%.

And for the second year running none of the 150 councils got a zero star grade.

But experts pointed out that there was a growing number of people being denied care as councils tightened eligibility criteria amid a squeeze on finances.

The local authorities are judged on the quality of their services as well as their management of budgets.

The watchdog praised the work done in delivering home care, supporting carers and helping those with chronic illness stay out of hospital. The social care departments were also given credit for providing equipment and carrying out home adaptations for people.

More than 2m cases were handled last year – nine out of 10 within seven days, compared to three quarters three years previously.

The ratings for 2006 to 2007 show that 48 councils were given three stars, 74 two and 28 one. It means 24 councils had improved their star rating, compared to 15 which did worse.

Four people charged with neglecting residents at an old people’s home have today had their case adjourned until the New Year at the request of defence lawyers.

A young man who says social workers left him to suffer at the hands of his brutal and abusive parents has launched a six figure damages claim against Doncaster Council.

The inquiry into a government decision to award the bulk of Pathways to Work contracts, worth £250m, to private firms has raised questions about the role of charities in public service provision.

Five members of staff have been suspended from their jobs at an adult day centre in Liskeard amid allegations of abuse.