Introduction

During 2005, the British government committed itself to achieving independent living for disabled people and set out proposals for delivering this aim. This chapter examines the role of research evidence and the disability movement in influencing government policy, situating the discussion in the context of wider debates on citizenship, human rights and the role of the state. It also asks whether these new proposals further an individualist and consumerist approach to meeting needs, thus undermining the collectivism and public service ethos that have been such an important part of the welfare state; or whether they will help disabled people to achieve the active citizenship that previous social policies have failed to deliver. It therefore illustrates the changing role and nature of ‘evidence’ in the policy process described in Chapter Four; and extends some of the arguments on choice, consumerism and citizenship set out in Chapters Sixteen and Eighteen.

The government's proposals

In January 2005, the Strategy Unit in the Cabinet Office of the British government published a detailed report and proposals for a 20-year programme of change entitled Improving the life chances of disabled people (Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, 2005). At the heart of these proposals was a commitment to promote independent living for disabled people and introduce ‘a new approach’ which:

• • addresses all aspects of needs for support and/or equipment or adaptations;

• • is personalised according to individual need and circumstances;

• • is underpinned by the principle of listening to disabled people and acknowledging their expertise in how to meet their needs;

• • maximises the choice and control that people have over how their additional requirements are met;

• • provides people with security and certainty about what level of support is available;

• • wherever possible, minimises disincentives to seek paid employment or to move from one locality to another;

• • uses existing resources to maximise social inclusion (Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, 2005).

This ‘new approach’ aims to give individuals choice and control over how their support needs are met, replacing the existing fragmentation of needs across different central and local government agencies and departments by introducing individual budgets. Individuals would be allocated a budget, based on eligible assessed need, and they would choose how to use this budget, with advocacy support where needed.