Personal health budgets for 100,000 more people

From 2 December, everyone eligible for an NHS wheelchair and people who require aftercare services under section 117 of the Mental Health Act will have access to a personal health budget.

Personal health budgets are planned and agreed between individuals and clinicians, giving people greater choice, flexibility and control over their health and care support. It can be spent on specially adapted wheelchairs designed to maximise independence, a choice of personal care assistants who can be trained to meet the individual’s needs, or exercise classes to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, gain confidence and reduce stress.

Over 70,000 people are already benefiting from personal health budgets, helping people with complex needs stay healthy and independent for longer. The NHS Long Term Plan states that access will increase so up to 200,000 people can receive one by 2024.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their care, and health and care should be centred around each and every one of us, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our NHS Long Term Plan has personalised care at its core. This important piece of legislation puts the power back in the hands of more people, transforming the wellbeing and quality of life for thousands while also reducing distressing and avoidable hospital trips.”