DISABLED people could enjoy greater independence by buying their own care instead of taking what they are given.

Under new laws, social services have the power to offer some people with disabilities - including people with sensory impairment, learning disabilities, HIV and Aids infection - cash payments instead of arranging community care services for them.

The aim is to increase people's freedom by giving them more control over their lives by choosing what care they wish to receive.

Social services staff would have to be satisfied that a person's assessed needs are being met, and that the money was being spent appropriately.

The new rules were warmly welcomed by councillors at Tuesday's committee meeting.

Mr David Ashworth, social services director, said: "It's a complex area, not easy to set up, but people in Bury will want to do this."

He joked that the borough treasurer might take a different view on giving out money, but added: "It's the greatest empowerment you can have, actual cash.

"This could be of enormous benefit to individuals."

The few pilot schemes elsewhere also seemed to show that it ultimately cost the local authority less money.

Coun Barry Briggs said: "People are quite capable of making their own decisions, this is quite a step forward."

The authority has set up a special working group comprising disability groups, social workers and other interested parties to look further into the matter.

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