A new Direct Payment policy has been drawn up, to set out what residents should expect when they’re in control of their own care.
Direct Payments, which the Council currently adopts, are the Government’s preferred way of personalising care and support, allowing people to have independence, choice, and control by enabling them to buy their own care to meet their needs, instead of the Council arranging services for them.
The new policy will bring all the previous information available across the Council together in one place, updated to bring it in line with other local authorities. It will go to the Council’s Cabinet on 10 June for approval.
Following a 12-week formal consultation which aimed to reach all service users who receive Direct Payments, the policy is now an accessible and easy-to-read document which outlines the Council’s approach to Direct Payments and includes several proposed changes following feedback from respondents.
Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:
After listening to and liaising with residents, we have taken their feedback on board and have consolidated the information, providing a single easy and accessible document that service users can read and understand. With everything in place, including details of who to contact and the process for making a complaint or appealing a decision, it allows them to have a more effective experience.