Implementing the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act: will the supply of personal assistants meet the demand and at what price?

Direct payments are becoming an important means by which any disabled person can arrange their care in ways that give them more choice and control over how they are supported. A key part of this new freedom is the ability to employ personal assistants (PAs) on terms laid down by the direct payments user. While endorsing the basic principles underpinning direct payments, this article raises questions over whether the employment market in suitably skilled and competent PAs has been sufficiently well researched. For example, with demand set to grow, will there be an adequate supply of reliable workers to employ? It is possible that raised expectations will not be able to be met adequately. The article also raises questions about regulation and training, particularly in relation to how best to ensure that the needs of vulnerable people are met, that risk is managed effectively and that the principle of leaving key decision making with the employer is retained.