2nd Personal Budget Survey Results

In Control have now published the results of the 2nd national survey of people receiving a Personal budget. Below is the press release:

More than 3,000 personal budget holders and their carers took part in the survey from 22 council areas. The survey shows a largely positive impact of personal budgets in most people’s lives.

The survey found 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.
  • Over 60 per cent reported a positive impact on physical health, mental wellbeing and control over their support.
  • A further 50 per cent reported a positive impact on feeling safe in and outside their home, and in their relationships with paid supporters.

The survey found only small numbers of people reporting any negative impact.

A copy of the full report, together with a summary document, blog post and presentation can now be accessed on In Control’s website here.

Minister for Care Services Norman Lamb, writing in the report’s foreword, said: “The shift to self-direction in adult social care and other areas of public service is perhaps the biggest cultural challenge we have tackled, and we are still in the early stages, working in challenging times. The Government remains committed to supporting TLAP and councils, working with ADASS and the LGA to continue and build on the progress made to date.”

We have today also published a separate survey, also using the POET tool, on the experiences of 195 people who hold a personal health budget and their carers. This group reported similar positive results as those with social care personal budgets. This report can also be accessed on our website here.

POET has been developed over a number of years by In Control and the Centre for Disability Research at Lancaster University. Its aim is to provide a national benchmark on the impact that personal budgets are having on people’s lives.