The implications of personal budgets for the home care market

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.