Direct Payments

Until recently, there was only one way for anyone in need of community care services, on a temporary or permanent basis, to have these needs met. The local authority would both arrange and provide these services for the person.

Now everyone who is eligible for such services has a choice. They can still have their needs met with services provided by the local authority if they so wish or they can arrange their own services with a Direct Payment.

A Direct Payment is money that is given by the local authority to a person following an assessment of their needs in lieu of community care services. The person then uses this money to purchase services to meet their agreed needs.

Direct Payments offer the person more choice and control by giving them the opportunity to arrange their own care package. Help and support is given to try and make sure that everyone who qualifies for a Direct Payment is able to manage it successfully.

Please click on the links on this page to get more details about Direct Payments.