Direct Payment Support Service

Legislation requires local authorities to offer people who are eligible for social care the choice to take all or some of their money (personal budget), as a direct payment to arrange and purchase their own care and support. Associated guidance states that local authorities should provide support to people who are considering the use of direct payments, including adequate support to those people who wish to use their direct payment to employ their own support staff. The guidance identifies that most people find it more successful if this support is provided by an independent organisation who can offer impartial, specialist advice, peer support and services to support the delivery of safe and effective direct payments.