Personal care budgets give 'control over lives'

In some areas of England only 6% of people are using personalised care budgets, which allows people to buy their own care, according to an audit commission report.

A few years ago a local council provided care for Kantaben Mehta, who has Alzheimer's disease, but now the 83-year-old receives money so her family can hire their own carer who understands her needs better.

The government had hoped that a third of people needing care would be using the personalised budgets by April 2011.

The association of directors of adult social services expects local authorities will meet the target.

Mrs Mehta's daughter, Arvinda Patel, says the arrangement has enhanced her mother's care and allows more control over their lives.