THE Welsh Conservatives have unveiled a series of bold new policy proposals aimed at transforming social services in Wales, with a particular focus on expanding the use of direct payments and creating personal pooled budgets for individuals who rely on care support.

At present, only 3% of those eligible for direct payments in Wales are benefiting from them. The Welsh Conservatives believe this must change, urging local authorities to make direct payments a primary consideration when planning care and support for individuals. By offering people the choice and control to manage their own care payments, the party argues that social services could become more personalised and effective for those who need it most.

A key proposal in the new policy platform is the establishment of Personal Pooled Budgets. These would allow individuals to have more control over their care payments, empowering them to tailor the services they receive to suit their personal needs and preferences. The Welsh Conservatives have stated that this initiative would require changes to the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 to ensure that health and social care services work together more seamlessly, offering people greater independence.

In addition to reforms around direct payments, the party is also calling for the creation of a Personal Wheelchair Budget system, a scheme already in place in NHS England but yet to be adopted in Wales. Currently, the NHS Wales Wheelchair Service offers limited choice, primarily lending wheelchairs to those with long-term disabilities. The Conservatives are pushing for a more comprehensive approach that would give users the freedom to select a wheelchair that fits not only their physical needs but also their preferences in style, weight, and type.

Dr Altaf Hussain MS, the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Services, stressed the importance of giving people who rely on social services more control over their care.

“People who use social services deserve more choice and control over the type of care they receive,” said Dr Hussain. “We must make the system more accessible, simpler, and fairer for those who rely on social services and offer more independence for disabled people where it is sought.”

He added: “By pooling health and social services direct payments and creating a wheelchair resource, we will make life better for people the length and breadth of Wales.”

Disability rights advocates have welcomed the proposals. Miranda Evans, a spokesperson for Disability Wales, highlighted the importance of direct payments in enabling disabled individuals to take control of their care.

“Direct payments provide disabled individuals in Wales with the autonomy, flexibility, and control they deserve over their care and support,” said Evans. “These payments are a vital tool in empowering people to manage their care effectively, ensuring their requirements are met in a way that truly aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.”

Evans also voiced her support for the proposed wheelchair budget reform, calling it “essential” for ensuring disabled individuals in Wales have access to wheelchairs that meet their specific needs. “Access to a wheelchair that fits their specific requirements is not just about mobility—it’s about dignity, independence, and quality of life,” she added.

As discussions around the future of social services in Wales continue, these latest proposals are likely to spark debate across the political spectrum. However, the Welsh Conservatives are clear: it’s time to give those who rely on social services the choice and independence they deserve.