This report which is primarily a literature review summarises the available evidence, across five countries – UK, US, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands - on the introduction of personal budgets as an alternative to directly-provided disability services. While there have been relatively few research studies on this, some key messages have come through.
The introduction of personal budgets provides an opportunity to promote people with disabilities’ level of choice and control over the support they may need
- Service users tend to be positive
- Because people have individual needs, a single model of personal budget may not suit everyone
- Personal budgets may not be the best option for everyone
It is a challenge to introduce personal budgets alongside direct provision of services