New legislation introduces self-directed support in Scotland

Major changes to the way people across Scotland receive support from public and private care providers came into effect on today.

The change to self-directed support, or SDS, gives people receiving support, and their families, the power to choose who provides that assistance.

Everyone assessed as being eligible for support will have a personal budget to spend on the type of assistance they need, and will have the option of asking their local council to give them the money to organise that care themselves.

Around 10,000 people are currently assessed by local authorities as needing social care support.

Under the Act, local authorities will continue to provide care packages for people who don’t want to organise their own care.

Trade union Unison supports the principle of self-direct care but is concerned that it will be used to cut funding for social care.

“The rhetoric of choice and control is often used as cover for a deteriorating service,” said Scottish organiser Dave Watson.

He added: “Cuts in budget provision means that the individual has a smaller budget to buy equivalent services. This has contributed to the ‘race to the bottom’ in home care.”

Unison also points out that many people don’t understand or want the responsibility of being an employer. Meanwhile fewer users of council services, such as day centres, means these could face cuts.

“This leads to greater social isolation that we know has a damaging impact on health,” said Mr Watson.

More details about self-directed support can be found at www.selfdirectedsupportscotland.org.uk