Personal budgets

You can choose the way the money for your social care services is spent as part of a new system of personal budgets.

Your personal budget is the sum of money needed to pay for your social care. When the Council assesses your needs, we will calculate this sum, and tell you whether you have to pay a contribution - or social care charge - towards it. But you will be able to choose how the total sum is spent and take as much control over your care as you feel comfortable with.

In order to use your personal budget, you will need to have a support plan, showing how you intend to use the money to meet your needs. You can draw up the plan yourself, with family and friends, or with social services. You will need to sign the plan and a Personal Budget Agreement - a contract with the Council - outlining your responsibilities.

You can choose whether you want the money paid into a bank account or have the council arrange services for you. Or you can have a mixture.

If you prefer, you can ask someone else to manage the money and pay for your care. This could be a member of your family or a friend. You could also ask a local community organisation, from a list recognised by the Council, to act as your agent and manage the money for you. If you would rather have your services organised by us, you can choose to have the Council manage your budget. It's up to you.

More information