To help drive up standards, it pays an extra £10 a week to the best homes and, from April, intends only to book beds in only good or excellent homes.

Jonathan Phillips, the council's director of health and social care, said: "I can understand people being shocked when they read some inspection reports but we urge relatives to visit homes to see for themselves and take advice from us. But at the end of the day, it is a matter of choice." The three blacklisted homes have had referrals stopped until improvements are made.

An NHS Calderdale spokesman said: "We are working with them and the council to an agreed action plan which will address the issues.

"These have clear timescales and are monitored monthly."

A man whose elderly mother-in-law has been a resident at Pellon Lane for around three years said although he was concerned with administrative shortcomings, he was generally happy with the care provided.

The man, who did not want to be identified, said: "I have read the inspection report and I am concerned about what might regarded as the administrative shortcomings.

"But we are not paying for a deluxe service and given the circumstances, we are pretty well satisfied."

Philip Allott, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Halifax, said high running costs were often to blame for unacceptable standards in many Calderdale care homes. He said: "Many families and individuals can not meet care-home costs, which clearly places pressure on owners to reduce operating costs. That then reflects in the service some homes are providing.

"To increase standards without a increase in feeswill just drive care- home owners out of the sector."

Pat Asquith, who manages the 40-bed excellent-rated Pennine Lodge in Todmorden, said: "We need to keep raising standards. That means investing in training and facilities."

Three care homes go on blacklist

Clover House: Need for full-time manager

Heath Bank Nursing Home: Pain relief 'missing'

Pellon Lane Care Centre: Residents 'not always safe'