Social Services will not recalculate my personal budget

uk71

I am looking for advice about a problem with Adult Social Services.

About eight years ago, I was given a personal budget of £80 a week. This was based on four hours of support from council-commissioned support workers at £20 an hour.

These support workers were later found to be unsuitable for my needs. I now use my budget to work with adult Special Educational Needs tutors. They help me with reading, comprehension, memory, communication and processing information.

The council has allowed me to use these tutors for more than two years and has agreed that the tutoring should continue. However, specialist tutors charge more than £20 an hour. My budget has not been recalculated to cover the cost of this more suitable support.

I have asked the council to explain:

• My current weekly budget.
• How many hours of tutoring I have been assessed as needing.
• What hourly rate they have used.
• How my eligible needs will be met with the current amount.

I have also asked for my updated care and support plan, but I have not received it.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem? I would be grateful for advice about challenging the council and getting a personal budget that reflects the real cost of suitable support.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @uk71. I do not have personal experience of this but I have found some information that could be useful for you. There is lots of information here about personal budgets and how you to make a complaint if needed https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/paying-for-care/financial-assessment/personal-budgets-and-direct-payments/

You have done the right thing by asking those clear questions. How long has it been since you contacted them?