Direct care grants rise is welcomed

A RISE in people with disabilities receiving direct payments in Edinburgh is a positive sign for patient choice, a city politician has said.

Edinburgh Southern MSP Jim Eadie obtained figures showing a steady rise in those choosing government grants to "employ" their own care providers.

The 449 people now doing so is treble the number who took that route in 2006.

It has become an increasingly popular alternative to relying on the council to organise home care.

He said: "More direct payments means more people with disabilities are living independently in the community.

"Progress is being made for people with learning disabilities but we all must acknowledge that no government has ever done enough."