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Direct Payments

Making a Difference: Direct Payments [PDF 137KB, 24 pages] (also see attached Erratum Note [PDF 15KB, 1 page] is a collaborative project between Cabinet Office, Public Sector Team and the Department of Health.

Scope

The project aims to reduce unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy on front line staff supporting Direct Payments. The reduction and in some cases removal of these burdens will allow an efficient and effective service for support groups and service users.

Bureaucracy identified includes:

• difficulty obtaining criminal record checks for overseas carers;
• Local Authorities having contracts with providers that prevent DP being offered; and
• employment law requirements for service users.

Background

Direct Payments are intended to create flexibility in the provision of social services by giving money directly to service users in place of social care services. This offers people greater choice and control over their lives and decisions about how care is delivered.

As with all Public Sector Team projects, front line staff play an integral part in identifying unnecessary burdens placed on them, and highlighting possible solutions.

The project team will engage with policy officials and front line from varying organisations, to gain their expertise and background to issues raised.

Approach

The PST held a series of workshops with front line staff and developed practical proposals to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. The team has since worked withthe Department of Health to negotiate and agree changes to current processes and paperwork.

Key Achievements

The report was published on 1st April 2005. Eight recommendations were presented addressing bureaucratic issues. The eight recommendations in this report will:

• Promote greater clarity for service users' role as employers, improving their access to bank accounts and criminal records bureau checks;
• Improve support for adults by setting up a helpline, better guidance and local networks to share best practice; and
• Ensure Direct Payments is part of the training of care staff to promote the importance of Direct Payments. This should improve the quality of service and increase the take up amongst all groups.

The recommendations support the Government's Green Paper Independence, Well-being and Choice (March 2005) which sets out proposals for the future direction of social care for all adults of all age groups in England.

Next Steps

Responsibility for the delivery rests with all stakeholders including professional bodies and central government.

For further enquires or information please contact Public Sector Team at psinfo@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk