The Council is one of eight councils nationwide to be selected as Trailblazer areas, testing the Right to Control, which gives disabled adults more choice and control over the state funding they receive.
The Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Social Wellbeing Councillor Helen McLuckie said: "
We had a real mandate from 70 local citizens and partners from the Borough's Disabled People's Partnership who were unanimous in encouraging us to bid for trailblazer status with our Jobcentre Plus partners."
"The Right to Control is a major step towards equality for disabled people. We are proud to be one of only eight areas chosen to deliver this national initiative.
"Instead of having to negotiate the maze of many funding streams, we hope that people can have one assessment, one budget, one plan and one review to live their life.
She explained: "
The selection panel was impressed by our commitment to co-production with disabled people that puts the customer at the heart of their own journey.""
As a Right to Control Trailblazer, the Council will receive a grant of about £600,000 spread over two years to build on its current work with partners.
Jane Reast, the director of Redcar ROC, who support the Disabled Peoples Partnership, said: "We have a fantastic platform in Redcar & Cleveland from which to deliver real choice and control for disabled people, building on our strengths and good work as a Partnership.
Minister for the Disabled Jonathan Shaw told the Council: "
Your local authority will be at the forefront of this innovative approach to delivering services to disabled people."
"As a Right to Control trailblazer, you will help shape the way it works and help Government decided whether the scheme should be rolled out more widely.
Councillor McLuckie added: "
Being a Trailblazer means we will offer services and support to disabled people in a different way."
"Disabled people will be able to make decisions about their own support. Individuals will be able to create support packages based around their need, rather than based around what others think they might need.
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