Direct payments guidance

Direct Payments Guidance Community Care, Services for Carers and Children’s Services (Direct Payments) (Wales) Guidance 2011

Direct payments enable individuals to purchase assistance or services that local authorities (LAs) would otherwise provide. They give individuals control providing an alternative to social care services provided by a LA. This helps to increase opportunities for independence, social inclusion and enhanced self-esteem.

Direct Payments 'Suitable Person' Guidance

Direct payments can be made to a willing and appropriate suitable person who receives and manages direct payments on behalf of a person who lacks capacity. In most cases this will be a family member, or a close friend already involved in the care of the service user.

The definition of a suitable person with respect to direct payments:

1. can be someone who has been awarded lasting power of attorney (LPA) but it is unlikely that a financial LPA on its own will be sufficient.
2. can be someone who has been appointed a deputy for the person needing services by the Court of Protection under section 16 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.