PROBLEMS with the district's social care enquiry line are being tackled, Bradford Council has insisted.

Last year, a health watchdog raised concerns about the Access Point - the Council's telephone enquiry line for adult social care.

Healthwatch Bradford said people were struggling to get through, while others were getting wrong or incomplete information.

The problems came to light after Bradford Council changed its social care rules, limiting home care to adults with substantial or critical needs only.

People who no longer qualified for care were supposed to be directed to other places they could find help, such as charities.

Now, in a new report, the Council says it is making progress in tackling these problems.

New staff have been taken on and 80 per cent of calls are answered within 30 seconds - higher than its 75 per cent target - and more staff training has been given.

Its website has also been redesigned, making it easier for people to request social care help.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for health and social care, said the authority had been "extremely serious" about making improvements.

"You can't underestimate how serious that has been," he added.

"It's a very, very important service, because this does make sure people get the help they need. People are going to be very concerned when they ring up the Access phone line, so a lot of work has been put into getting the training and the staffing right."

Cllr Berry said there was still work to do, but this was "a big step in the right direction".

He said: "I would accept this wasn't acceptable before. This shows management has been taking clear action."

Healthwatch Bradford welcomed the progress, but said it would be keeping a close eye on the situation.

Manager Andrew Jones said: "The Healthwatch team were pleased that the Council responded to the recommendations in our report and we welcome the opportunity to work with them to improve services.

“However there remains much to do to meet public expectations."

Mr Jones also warned that social care budget reductions, and new requirements brought in through the Care Act, could put further pressure on the service.

The Health and Social Care overview and scrutiny committee will discuss the issue at City Hall Thursday.