19.09.12
Matheson gives assurances on self-directed care funding
The Scottish social care bill is not about cuts, but will give people control over their own care budget, public health minister Michael Matheson told Holyrood.
Ministers have pledged £23m to local councils over three years to implement the bill, which proposes the introduction of a direct payment to fund alternatives to council run care, also known as self-directed care.
This option already exists for councils, yet the bill would place a specific duty on local authorities to provide self-directed care.
Local authority body Cosla has warned that implementation could exceed the funding in place, and could cost between 350m and £90m.
Matheson gave assurances that sufficient funding would be in place to deliver the changes, and a framework of guidance would be given to councils to ensure they understood their responsibilities.
He said: “Greater choice and control are key to better outcomes and therefore we need to empower people to play a full and active part in designing their own solutions to their support needs.”
The proposed legislation will now move to committee stage before a final vote within the next few months.
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