Rising numbers manage own care budgets

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the Local Government Agency (LGA) have released figures showing that the number of people receiving personalised social care budgets is increasing dramatically. In 2007-2008, an average of 16 social services clients per local authority received individual budgets compared to the 2008-2009 figure of 42 – a rise of 163%. And more people are receiving direct payments from social services – over a third more in 2008-2009 than in the previous year. Although the figures are good news for the social care personalisation agenda, councils are braced for a rising demand in welfare advice services due to anticipated closures of private care homes. Councillor David Rogers of the LGA comments: ‘There must be a plan for how we look after those who need care and support. Councils are well aware of this ticking time bomb and it is time for all national politicians to prove their commitment to this issue by including it as one of their three main concerns.’