Aix marks the spot as Harrow’s experience reported at a conference in France

Harrow Council's ambitious move to give customers control, choice and flexibility over how they plan and manage their social care personal budgets has been picked out at an international conference opened by the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, in France this week.

Participants from Europe, America, Russia, Canada, Africa, India, Central America and Asia gathered to discuss the theme "Markets and Morality" at the Paul Cezanne University in Aix-en-Provence.

One of the events key speakers was Harrow's lead councillor for adults and housing Cllr Barry Macleod-Cullinane, who was invited to talk to an audience of international politicians, policy makers and business leaders on how personal budgets is key to tackling the financial challenges facing welfare services.

Harrow Council is currently leading the way in giving adult social services customers and their carers' the freedom and control of how they spend their social care budget, with more than 150 people signed up the scheme.

Speaking after his presentation, Cllr. Barry Macleod-Cullinane, portfolio holder for adults and housing, said: "Personal Budgets have proved a great success. Everyone that holds one is delighted with the control and flexibility it gives on how they spend their money. I was delighted to be invited to this prestigious international conference to present a paper about Harrow's pioneering experience with in this area."

He added: "It was a fantastic opportunity to explain to an international audience of scholars and policy makers how personal budgets are transforming the lives of Harrow's social care users. There was interest from many participants in considering how similar initiatives to Harrow's might be adopted to benefit users in their countries.

"Being leaders in the scheme, we are keen to see other council's following in our footsteps to help provide residents with the freedom they want."