This report describes the independent financing model (IF), a funding model for public services which gives control and responsibility to recipients of support services.

Traditional models of publicly-funded disability support treat recipients as dependents, with services delivered by people employed by a third party. The company, under contract with the Ministry of Health, not the recipient of the service, has the final say on who delivers services on what terms. If the disabled person needs different services or wants to buy unfunded equipment or other things to support them, they must ask permission.

In comparison, IF uses personal budgets to put the recipients of disability support in control. IF turns services recipients into paying customers. The result is a transformation in the quality of services and quality of life for recipients and their families. Spending must be within well-defined limits, giving individuals the flexibility to tailor support to their needs with the confidence their needs will be met.