An expert in the sector will look into how “quality and regulation” can be improved amid growing concern that pensioners and disabled people are receiving substandard treatment from the NHS and local councils.

The Department of Health believes the failures at the private hospital run by Castlebeck, where undercover filming exposed the abuse of adults with learning disabilities, are “totally unacceptable”.

Whitehall sources say they will not tolerate poor standards at a company paid millions of pounds by taxpayers to protect some of society’s most vulnerable members.