The government is keen for local councils to extend their Direct Payments schemes. In April 2003, the Government made it a duty for councils to offer Direct Payments to all those who are eligible. However, there are some exceptions in respect of certain people subject to mental health legislation or aspects of criminal justice legislation , where councils may have a power rather than a duty to make direct payments.
Direct Payments are monetary payments made by councils directly to individuals who have been assessed as having eligible needs for certain services, including those that care for others. Direct payments are one way in which people can direct their own support. As such they promote independence, choice and inclusion by enabling people to purchase the assistance or services that the council would otherwise provide in order to live in their own homes, to be fully involved as active citizens in family and community life, and to engage in work, education and leisure.
Most people who receive Direct Payments find that they have far greater choice, control and flexibility over the services they receive.
In Bath & North East Somerset Direct Payments are offered to Adults in receipt of social care support through Personal Budgets. (PB/DP). This means that service users have more choice and control over their support and who provides it. They can choose their services to be arranged by the Local Authority (including Mental Health services), this is known as a commissioned Personal Budget. They can, alternatively, arrange their own support using a Personal Budgets Direct Payment. This may involve making arrangements with an agency or employing their own staff. To receive a service, they should first have an assessment in order to be assessed against our eligibility criteria.
Personal Budgets are not offered yet to users of Children & Families services. However traditional Direct Payments can also be made to parents with parental responsibility for a disabled child.This would be arranged by the Children & Families services