Decoding Personalisationfor the real world

Dr Simon Duffy ￭ The Centre for Welfare Reform ￭ 14th January 2013 ￭ Presentation for Solihull

Dr Simon Duffy

•Social innovator - e.g. personal budgets

•Philosopher - work on citizenship

•Advisor - Campaign for a Fair Society

The Centre for Welfare ReformReform does not mean cuts and inequalityWelfare state is good, but designed wrongNeeds more innovation, andRespect for citizenship, families, community & justice

4 messages1.Good leaders will need to look past the rhetoric at reality

2.Local government is under threatWe radically underestimate the capacity of citizens

3.We need new solutions and better alliances at the local level

Reality 1: Cuts, cuts, cuts

Reality 2: Targeted cuts

Reality 3: Centralism, not localism

Reality 4: The centre taxes the local

Reality 5: You can’t buy community

Personalisation: 4 versions1.A more acceptable way of describing consumerist reform?

2.A bundle of government policies?New system - self-directed support?

3.Awareness of the need for more fundamental reform?

Personalisation: self-directed support - a short history

From Professional Gift to Citizenship

Respect innovation

Personalisation today:

1.Is it a fixed process, defined by government or is it an open process demanding far higher levels of innovation?

2.Is it a technical fix that just increases VFM or does it require a fundamental rethink of how the welfare state is designed?

Six themes1.Citizenship works

2.Families and civil society work

3.Relationships work

4.Identity works

5.Local works

6.Current system design doesn’t

Path 1: develop humility & seek partnership

Wards 40

Av Pop 1,700

Over 65 376 22.1%

15 and under 308 18.1%

Misusing drugs/alcohol 14 0.8%

Limiting long-term illness 383 22.5%

Children with SEN Statements 7 0.4%

In private homes (including private rental) 1,365 80.3%

In poor health 181 10.6%

Deaths in year 20 1.2%

Crimes in a year 88 5.2%

Looked after children 2 0.1%

Use Social Care 78 4.6%

Working age on relying on benefits 177 10.4%

Children Social Care Budget £60,000 £6,666

Adult Social Care Budget £490,000 £6,282

1. Human rights - not just services

2. Clear entitlements - not confusion

3. Early support - not crisis

4. Equal access - not institutional care

5. Choice & control - not dependence

6. Fair incomes - not insecurity

7. Fair taxes - not injustice

8. Financial reform - sustainable

Final thoughts1.Truth is our friend - rhetoric and misinformation is dangerous

2.‘Working for the centre’ does not workLocal government needs to develop its own story

3.Practical citizenship and community development is key