Local Government Association

Some direct payment recipients are eligible for health funding that can be delivered via personal health budgets. Where the person receives both a personal health budget and council direct payments, they may wish to use the money as a single total sum, to meet their eligible needs for both health and social care and support. In such circumstances, both finance and operational staff in councils will need to be aware of this and work with health and the person in receipt of direct payments and personal health budgets, to ensure the funding can be used effectively and efficiently, to achieve the person’s outcomes.

During workshops with PSWs, social work practitioners, finance and audit staff and people with lived experience, in preparation for this guidance, a range of examples were highlighted of the kind of support different councils provide or commission, or that practitioners have found useful.

In practice, councils must ensure that all policies, procedures, and personal decisions related to direct payments take these human rights considerations into account, fostering a culture of respect and safeguarding people’s rights within service delivery. Compliance with the Human Rights Act helps ensure that the administration of direct payments supports human dignity, autonomy, equality, and fairness.

Ensuring that people considering or using direct payments have access to independent advice that is separate from the council is essential for empowering them to make informed decisions. Having access to independent advice and information can further enhance self-directed decision-making.

Direct payment recipients and practitioners talked openly in the workshops about the barriers they face in relation to direct payments, and what would make the experience of direct payments better for everyone involved in delivering and receiving them. This section explores the barriers identified under each of the I statements.

The role of principal social workers (PSWs) is pivotal in ensuring that direct payments are used effectively and ethically, supporting the overarching goals of the Care Act 2014 to promote wellbeing and independence among people receiving care.

This resource has been specifically developed in relation to direct payments for adults with social care needs. It may also be of value to people working with children or people working in health with either adults or children.

Leadership Essentials is a series of programmes designed as themed learning opportunities for councillors. Each programme concentrates on a specific portfolio or service area or a specific theme.