Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw has announced a shake up in the way people with disabilities use state funding.

Following what the government said was a ‘wide ranging’ consultation, plans are being implemented to offer disabled adults more choice over how they use services on offer and the state funding they receive.

The ‘Right to Control’ scheme will enable them to use the NHS budget allocated to them as an individual to buy their own equipment, in a move similar to NHS proposals to offer patients more tailored care via individual health budgets that enable patients to purchase their own choice of treatments and drugs.

Jonathan Shaw said that adults with disabilities had told the government that they wanted more control over their lives and the adult community care services they used.

‘Disabled people are the experts in their own lives and that is why, through the Welfare Reform Act, we have put this legislation in place. 

‘This new scheme could have an impact on every area of disabled people’s lives,’ said Mr Shaw. ‘One example may be the way employment services are delivered – at present, a disabled person requiring support from a specialist disability employment programme is given a limited choice about who will support them and how.’

Mr Shaw added that, through the changes, people with disabilities would be able to decide how they were provided with specialist employment support – as well as who supports them. 

‘It’s these little choices that others may take for granted, but build up to a bigger picture of everyday independence,’ Mr Shaw added.

From late 2010, the Right to Control will be tested in around eight local authorities in England. However, there will be no obligation on people with disabilities to buy their own support services or equipment through the system – individuals could choose to continue receiving the services arranged on their behalf if they prefer, or opt for a combination

of the two options available.

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