The dossier also accuses the Government of betraying more than 2,000 adults with learning disabilities such as autism.

For example, regulators have imposed a limit on care homes that stops them having more than six places for adults suffering these difficulties at one site.

Now campaigners are demanding action from Health Secretary Matt Hancock to solve the crisis.

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “How can it be right that 2,000 of the most vulnerable people in our society are being left to rot in totally unsuitable institutions, simply because of petty, inflexible red tape.

“Care homes are ready and willing to provide specialised and suitable accommodation but are prevented from doing so by this crazy ‘six only’ rule. It’s nothing short of betrayal.

“Thousands of adults with autism or learning disabilities are in unsuitable hospitals or assessment centres – often many miles from their families – when they could be in specialist units close to their homes and loved ones.

“Mr Hancock needs to get a grip on his department and sort this out. He’s been in the job for 18 months day so he can no longer blame his predecessors. This is his problem.”

The report warns of a ‘concerningly high number’ of people who are inappropriately admitted to hospitals and remain trapped there long term.

The Transforming Care programme started in 2012 by the Department of Health and Social Care aimed to close 30-50 percent of inpatient beds for those with learning disabilities and/or autism by March 2019. 

This was unsuccessful, according to Care England which says the failure was down to the Care Quality Commission limiting the number of rooms allowed in a learning disability home.

This means thousands of people in need are being failed by the system and denied crucial services that would dramatically increase their quality of life.

Care England wants to see the CQC axe the six-bed size limit and focus only on the person.

Professor Green added: “The current interpretation to only look at bed numbers is short sighted. This will lead to a much more suitable solution for those in our society who need help and offer them choice.

“These learning disability homes offer the chance of an ordinary life for those with autism and other learning disabilities and a safe, social community environment in which they can live.

“Specialist homes can provide tailored help to each individual and while providing the help they need; they also allow them to keep their independence.”

The number of social care providers forced to cut support for vulnerable adults has doubled in the past year because of financial pressures, according to charity Hft, which helps disabled people.

One in five organisations said they offered care to fewer people so they could balance the books or deal with rising wage bills.

A third of almost 80 care providers surveyed said they had to cut staff in the past 12 months, while nearly half had closed down parts of their organisation.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Everyone should have access to the best quality, compassionate care and we are providing councils with access to an additional £1.5bn in 2020-21 to meet rising demand and continue to stabilise the social care system.

“There are complex questions to address, which is why we will seek to build cross-party consensus.

“But, as the Prime Minister has said, we will deliver on our promises and bring forward a plan for social care this year.”

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