Most people who use personal budgets to pay for their social care report improved wellbeing (according to In Control data). But more needs to be done to ensure that care markets deliver a genuine choice of services to all users, that support is available to help them exercise choice, and that essential services relied on by vulnerable people continue to be provided in the event of the failure of a major provider.
Today’s report demonstrates that some people are using their personal budgets in innovative ways, such as pooling them with others to pay jointly for a personal assistant to help with their care needs. Most people who use a personal budget report improved wellbeing although a small minority feel worse off. Some also reported that they found buying care for themselves difficult.
The report sets recommendations can be set out in three areas:
- Improving support for users
- Managing costs to the taxpayer
- Improving market oversight
The Full report can be downloaded from the National Audit Office.
