1. Task Force on Personalised Budgets
Presentation to Finish delegation
15 Feb 2018
Mr. Christy Lynch
Chair

2. Policy Context – Programme for a Partnership Government
“… we will establish a Task Force within 3 months on the implementation of personalised budgets for persons with disabilities. Core to this Task Force will be:
The adoption of a single national coherent application system to develop budgets before end 2017
The adoption of a single national coherent system of accountability for the spend
Exploring brokerage models whereby people are assisted to connect with and purchase the services that actually meet their own needs
Actively monitoring practice, usage and trends and especially the linkage between personalised budgets, employability and employment rates as well as community living
The Task Force should be led by policy/implementation entities within the public service in active consultation with civil society. After an initial period of 5 years it could be transitioned into the establishment of a national agency."

3. Establishment of Task Force
Public invitation for expressions of interest.
Established in September 2016 by Finian Mc Grath TD, Minister for People with Disabilities
Includes policy makers, policy experts, academics, advocates for people with a disability and most importantly people with a lived experience of disability.
“nothing about us, without us”

4. Task Force’s Remit
The Task Force’s remit is to make recommendations on a
cost-neutral approach
to give people with disabilities more control in obtaining certain services and supports such as day services, residential care, respite care, personal assistance etc., giving them greater independence and choice in accessing services which best meet their individual needs.

5. Task Force Structure Strategy Group Advisory & Consultative Group
Responsible for leading the development of recommendations and implementation pathways for the Task Force as a whole
Advisory & Consultative Group
Responsible for delivering advice and input as requested on key items arising during the work of the Strategy Group

6. Wider consultation
Reference Group – individuals who expressed an interest in participating in the Task Force
Public consultations also planned

7. Department of Health’s role in the Task Force
The role of the Department of Health is to:-
Provide the secretariat to the Strategy Group and to the Task Force as a whole when it sits in Plenary session
Implement future Government policy decisions on Personalised Budgets

8. Deliberative Process
The Task Force aims to ensure maximum transparency in its deliberations.
All relevant documents – agendas, minutes, presentations and relevant policy documents are published online including “Easy Read” versions

9. Project Initiation Document
Sets the content, scope and Deliverables of the Task Force
Outlines terms of reference/policies and procedures that need to be adhered to
Submitted to Cabinet sub-committee

10. Work Plan
Identifies seven work streams to be pursued, and sets out lead partners and a timeframe for each one.
Discovery phase
Eligibility / Resource Allocation
Financial Sustainability
Supports to apply for and administer budgets
Governance and Accountability
Appraisal
Implementation Plan

11. Progress to date Important outputs to date include:
Project Initiation Document
Detailed Work Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Key stakeholders identified to lead on parallel work streams
Synthesis of the latest research – NDA

12. Issues One size does not fit all “My life my choice” Latitude Re spend
Information and training:
People with disabilities
Family
Providers

13. Issues Independent Assessment of need Choice and Control
Rights based not medical model
Administrative challenge ++
Unbundle funding?
Broader use of money
Need for Quality Personal Assistants

14. Issues Not for everyone Employment Supports? Transport Supports?
Purchase Equipment?
Petty Cash Fund?

15. Possible Models
Co-Managed Budget
Brokerage
Direct Payments