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Personal cash for elderly

10/12/2007

Elderly people are to be given more control over how money is spent on their care under plans to be unveiled by the government today.

The proposals would see millions of pensioners decide how funds are distributed rather than social workers.

Younger disabled people could also be given a personal budget.

Gordon Brown said the scheme, backed by £520 million over three years, would give "real control" to people and their carers.

Each eligible person will be means-tested to assess how much they should receive and councils will then pay the money directly into their bank account or that of a nominated carer.

"These proposals for personal budgets will allow all those who would benefit from a personal budget to receive one, putting real control into the hands of those in care and their carers, leading to far more personal and responsive care," the prime minister said.

Health secretary Alan Johnson said the strategy "represents a radical transfer of power from the state to the public".

"Everyone, irrespective of their illness or disability, has the right to self-determination and maximum control over their own lives," he added.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb welcomed the initiative but said "the government must be more ambitious".

"This should not be restricted to social care alone. The government must look at ways of giving greater power to those using mental health services and those with long-term chronic conditions," he added.

"There is also a need to confront the emerging crisis in the care of elderly people in England because of the lack of resources devoted to them.

"Across the country there are tightening criteria and rocketing charges for the care of the elderly, which is wholly unacceptable."