A champion for the rights of older people in the district has called for the appointment of a Minister for Older People after the publication of a report condemning England's home care service.

And Bradford Council pledged to investigate any concerns local older people may have about their care following the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s report into council-run home care.

The report said there was evidence of a “systematic failure” in the way care was given across the country, after finding hundreds of elderly people are being abused, neglected and having their human rights breached.

Key findings included carers neglecting tasks because of time constraints, carers refusing to warm and serve food because of “unfounded” health and safety concerns, money being stolen over a period of time, chronic disregard for older people’s privacy and a disregard for clients’ dignity when carrying out intimate tasks.

“The cumulative impact on older people can be profoundly depressing and stressful: tears, frustration, expressions of a desire to die and feelings of being stripped of self-worth and dignity – much of which was avoidable,” the report said.

Equality and human rights commissioner Baroness Sally Greengross said councils were reducing carers’ hours, causing them to cut corners.

“The emphasis is on saving pennies rather than providing a service which will meet the very real needs of our grandparents, our parents, and eventually all of us,” she said.

Jean Walker, chairman of Bradford and District Senior Power, who was awarded the MBE for her services for older people, said she was familiar with concerns such as the ones raised in the report and said the time had come to appoint a Minister for Older People.

“We have concerns and we keep bringing these things up at every opportunity,” said Mrs Walker. “I think it is time the Government looked at having a Minister to support older people.

“We are getting older and living longer. We need someone we can take concerns like this too.”

Moira Wilson, strategic director for Adult and Community Services for Bradford Council said: “Bradford Adult and Community Services operates a stringent accreditation process for all providers of home care in the district."