Independent Living Strategy: Review of Progress

This report by Jenny Morris for In Control and Disability Rights UK measures progress of the Office for Disability Issues' 2008 Independent Living Strategy. Key findings include:

• There is no evidence of significant progress in disabled people's experiences of choice and control in their lives since 2008
• There have been significant limitations to effective delivery of personal budgets. Most have taken the form of council-managed services and there is evidence that inadequate funding and restrictions on how personal budgets/direct payments may be used can inhibit choice and control
• Older people are finding it more difficult to access support and are experiencing fewer options and opportunities for independent living
• People with high levels of support needs are at increasing risk of institutionalisation
• Disabled people are experiencing a reduction in housing opportunities and an increasing number are living in accommodation which is not suited to their needs.