ADASS welcome 2nd National Personal Budget survey

ADASS PRESIDENT SANDIE Keene has praised adult social services departments for the `important strides' they have taken towards widening and improving the spread of personal budgets to older and disabled people.

The 2nd National Personal Budgets Survey published today by Think Local Act Personal shows that over 70 per cent of people who hold a personal budget reported a positive impact on being independent, getting the support they need and want and being supported with dignity.

Mrs Keene acknowledged, too, that there was room for improvement in some areas, particularly on the procedural aspects of awarding and managing the PB process. "Directors are strongly committed to improving access to more personalised care and will work with TLAP and the sector-led improvement initiatives to drive change .

"But," she said "We must acknowledge that good and substantial progress is being made in helping people live better, more fulfilling lives, in spite of the many difficulties we face."

* A survey of social care budgets published by ADASS earlier this month showed that 86 per cent of directors of adult social services thought that the quality of life for services users had not been lowered, while only five per cent thought that the quality of care was lower.