Commenting on the latest personal budget survey results released by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Think Local Act Personal Co-Chairs, Sue Bott and Bill Davidson say:
“The Think Local Act Personal Partnership is pleased to see a continued rise in the numbers of personal budgets and a significant increase in expenditure on direct payments. A number of issues continue to need good attention. We recommend that councils focus strongly on checking the results of personal budgets and how they are improving the outcomes for their local populations, using this information to improve local strategies. Councils need to ensure that when people are taking the option of a managed personal budget they are exercising significant choice and control – including through methods such as individual service funds. Importantly, councils should continue to strive to improve the offer of direct payments to all, including those groups where the current take up is lower. They will also need to consider whether the level of a personal budget is sufficient, for example, to enable people to fulfil responsibilities as an employer. TLAP’s self directed support forum is pleased to be working with a wide range of partners including ADASS and the Department of Health to develop ways in which personal budgets can work well for people, including for older people and people with dementia.”
Media Contact:
Jaimee Lewis, Senior Communications Adviser
Think Local Act Personal
Tel 07850 774 453/ jaimee.lewis@scie.org.uk
5th Floor 2-4 Cockspur Street London, SW1Y 5BH
www.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk / twitter: @tlap1
