Personal budgets ‘improve care but beset by red tape’

A review of 3,300 people receiving personal budgets, where cash is given direct to users to choose their own care services, showed that the majority said the scheme had made their lives better.

Personal budgets are a key part of the Care and Support Bill which plans to establish personal budgets in law for the first time.

The scheme was started by the last Labour government but the coalition has increased their use, expanding them into health and children’s services.

Latest figures from the NHS Information Centre show that the numbers receiving personal budgets increased from 377,000 to 527,000 in the last two years.

In the biggest review and poll yet of people receiving personal budgets, 71 per cent said they helped them stay independent and get the right support for their needs. A further 75 per cent said they were supported with dignity and respect by their carers.

And more than 60 per cent also reported a positive impact on physical health, mental wellbeing and control over their support – while only a tiny number of people did not like the scheme.

But the survey, by charity In Control and Lancaster University, also found town hall social services departments needed to cut bureaucracy and have simpler rules and regulations.

Minister for Care Services Norman Lamb said: “We want to give people the power to be able to look after themselves and be fully involved in their care. This is why our Care Bill gives people who use care services, and carers, the right to a personal budget.

“Allowing people to make decisions to improve the quality of their life is very important. We must move from a system of crisis care to a preventative system where people are supported to live independently for longer.”

Every year nearly 1.5 million people in England look to their council for personal care and support due to their age or a disability.

With a personal budget, people are able to choose their own care and support rather than having council social workers decide for them with a one-size-fits-all approach. The way the money is spent has to be approved but can include things like employing their own support worker, respite care and house adaptations.

Julie Stansfield, chief executive of In Control, said: “We have always said that the success of personal budgets depends on people being able to make their own choices and be in control of the help they receive. This survey clearly shows that when this is the case, personal budgets have a positive impact on people’s lives.

“But the survey has also echoed our increasing concerns over processes and restrictions placed on people by council social services. These challenges must be addressed.”