Agenda item

To receive a presentation on Direct Payments and support for carers.

The Sub-committee considered the report which set out the Council’s updated policy in relation to Direct Payments.  It was noted that the policy was aimed at helping people to commission their own care and to provide support in relation to managing the role as an employer, including contractual and financial aspects.

The Council is looking to improve access to Direct Payments and increase uptake through a range of measures, including promoting information about Direct Payments and making information and guidance easier to access.  They are also looking at ways of supporting personal assistants through the Care Academy.

Members asked about the resources available within the finance and audit team to support those taking up Direct Payments.  It was noted that capacity had been increased within the financial assessment team and this included audit to ensure that money is being used for the right reason and to meet eligible needs.

Councillors highlighted that they experienced a disparity between some families who are using Direct Payments and others who don’t know about it.  It was suggested that more needs to be done to make people aware that they could opt for Direct Payments.  This was particularly highlighted in relation to young people with learning support needs when they transition to adult services.

It was noted that the Council are looking to raise awareness around the option of Direct Payments and this includes training for staff.

Some members highlighted that the Direct Payment option can be a daunting prospect for many people who may be put off by the need to become an employer and complexities around this.  Members asked if there had been any feedback on this, and what support is available to encourage people to take up this option.

It was noted that this was a national issue and is an acknowledged problem.  The Council is looking at what could be done differently to encourage take up.

A councillor raised an issue about safeguarding for both the person in receipt of Direct Payments as an employer and also for those employed as personal assistants.  It was noted that safeguarding is part of the process.  But Direct Payments is also useful for some people who may want to do something more flexible eg gym membership or to fund a different day centre.  In these circumstances Direct Payments can give people more flexibility and choice and can promote independence.

It was also noted that the Direct Payments team as well as external organisations can provide advice and support to Personal assistants.  In addition, Disability North contracted by the Council to provide training and support, including to Personal Assistants.

Members asked what proportion of service users currently use Direct Payments.  Officers said they would be able to provide current information on this, but it was around 20-25% of users.

It was noted that Direct Payments does not cost the Council more to administer as the personal budget is based on the financial assessment and the same financial team supports all customers so there isn’t an additional cost.

It was noted that the current pressures in social care in relation to employment of carers also impacted on the availability of personal assistants, and these issues impacted across the whole care sector.  It was noted that the Care Academy was part of the support in place to incentivise people to move into care.

The Sub-Committee thanked officers for the informative report.