An analysis of personal social care budgets in Cornwall
Download (PDF 2.76 MB)Summary of report content
In a joint project with Disability Cornwall, Healthwatch Cornwall conducted an investigation into the experiences of local residents who receive a personal health budget. The project aimed to identify the policy and process for accessing budgets and the experience of recipients. Between September and December 2014, a survey was completed by 160 people receiving a personal budget. Detailed case studies were developed for a comprehensive overview.
Five key findings emerged from the engagement. The respondents’ feedback about timelines for the Council's decision-making and to receive the funds were mixed. Some claimed they waited long periods to receive a decision and to receive their budgets and others had a positive experience. Variable levels of satisfaction were recorded. Respondents reported low levels of satisfaction with the process while waiting for a response from Cornwall Council, but this was increased once they had received their budgets. The respondents had differing understandings of what the budgets can, and cannot, be used for, this was highlighted particularly in the case studies. The respondents understanding of the budgets relationship to the respondent’s support plan, or the awareness of the support plan, was lacking. Furthermore, people felt that they would benefit from ongoing involvement throughout the process of receiving a budget and the delivery of reassessments where their circumstances may change.
The report made a number of recommendations related to the five main findings. Healthwatch Cornwall suggested for the Council to develop performance indicator targets for the length of time applications are processed and the receipt of funds. The council to develop satisfaction indicators for use by the service users and for more clarity about the support plan. They recommended that services should be in place to review spending after the budget is in place and for staff to receive training on assessment and application processes.
The report did not include a response from the service provider.