The implications of personal budgets for the home care market

Abstract

This article uses an analytic framework based on the preconditions for effective markets to consider how the widespread introduction of personal budgets is likely to affect the market for social care. While there are some promising signs of changes that should result in a more responsive market, there are some structural features that may act as barriers. The roles of local authorities as facilitators will be essential. The research findings reported here have relevance for other countries that have introduced personal budgets or ‘cash for care’ schemes.

Acknowledgements

The research on which this article is based was funded by the Department of Health. The views expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funding body. We would like to thank the staff who made this research possible by sharing their insights and experiences. We also thank two anonymous referees for their helpful comments.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kate Baxter

Kate Baxter is a research fellow in the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York, UK.

Caroline Glendinning

Caroline Glendinning is a professor of social policy in the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York, UK.

Ian Greener

Ian Greener is Reader in Applied Social Sciences/ Social Policy in the School of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Durham, UK.