Govt unveils new care budget proposals

The government has revealed the new plans to give older more control over the provision of their care services.

A publication from the Department of Health has declared that older people will get a personal budget by 2013, which will give people more choice over how they are looked after and supported.

Care Services minister Paul Burstow also believes that the new system will provide carers will more opportunities to get a break.

He explained: "Personal budgets can make an incredible difference to people's lives. They give people choice, control and independence.

"They look to people not the state to shape services, and improve outcomes, making a reality of the Big Society."

Reacting to the news, the Alzheimer's Society interim chief executive Ruth Sutherland said that the move was a welcome one.

However, Ms Sutherland insisted that it is important that people with dementia are given adequate help and information to use the budgets effectively.

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