MORE than 40 per cent of elderly care homes in Trafford are inadequate or in need of improvement, a report has revealed.

Trafford is named as one of the the 20 worst authorities in the country for the number of care homes — 43.1 per cent — failing to meet at least a good standard.

The figures were revealed in Independent Age's report Care Home Performance Across England, which is based on Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections of care homes.

The report was released as Greater Manchester celebrated becoming the first age-friendly city region in the country.

Last year Trafford had 47.2 per cent of care homes rated as inadequate or requires improvement.

It was one of six authorities in Greater Manchester to be among the 20 worst authorities in the country for the number of care homes which are not good enough.

John Rouse, chief officer for Greater Manchester Health and Social Care (GMSC) Partnership said care home quality is improving across Greater Manchester.

He said: "There is no doubt that the scale of improvement across our homes is a challenge for Greater Manchester, however, we can also see that care home quality is improving.

"Back in January, 2017, only 50 per cent of care home beds were in the CQC 'outstanding' or 'good' categories.

"This had increased to 60 per cent in December 17.

"This means that 1,580 more care home beds are 'outstanding' or 'good' compared to 12 months ago, still nowhere near good enough but signs are that devolution is having an impact.

"In the North West ADASS report, when analysing all 151 local authorities in the country, five of the top 15 most improved in 2017 are in Greater Manchester. In addition care home quality in Greater Manchester is improving, and at a faster rate than the national average and more than any other sub-region in the North West.

"Working with the Care Homes sector, the GMHSC Partnership is supporting significant changes to ensure the quality of residential and nursing care homes continues to improve, with better access to health care in care homes, developing new ways of working for example the 'teaching care homes model', establishing a quality framework, and identification of best practice in care homes, as part of the wider adult social care transformation programme in Greater Manchester."

Trafford Council has been contacted for a comment.