HUNDREDS of cases of suspected abuse are being logged across Cumbria every month, latest figures show.

The average monthly concerns raised with Cumbria County Council now stand at around 400, a meeting in Kendal on Wednesday was told.

The yearly figures have reached more than 1,700 concerning 1,500 people.

But council officials told the scrutiny advisory board meeting that the figures are “stable”.

Social workers, health staff, care home workers and police, are now obliged to flag up “safeguarding concerns” to protect people from potential harm.

The reporting system is designed to ensure that the public agencies act if they fear someone is being physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, or neglected. Concerns are often raised around people young, old or vulnerable. But family members, friends and neighbours are also raising concerns.