Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 12, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Commissioning Officer for Direct Payments introduced the report which provided an update to the Committee on progress of the delivery of the Personalisation & Direct Payments Strategy 2023 - 2028. The report described how working collaboratively with people with lived experience, their families and carers, partners and stakeholders will help shape, design and produce new and improved ways of working. 9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee:- a.    Note the extensive positive progress made on the Personalisation and Direct Payments Strategy delivery plan. b.    Reaffirm our commitment to increase and further develop approaches and practice around personalisation, ensuring self-directed support is the first consideration for those who draw on social care support. c.     Note actions (that have not yet been completed) that will drive positive change and offer more choice and control for people who self-direct their own support. 9.3 Reasons for Decision 9.3.1 Empowering people to take control of their lives and enabling those who happen to require social care support is the right thing to do. We know this not only because the people we support tell us but also because the right to personalised support and the option self-direct has been enshrined in law for both Adults and Children’s & Young Peoples social care services. Our vision and commitment to people was and continues to be:    “Together, we will be bold, brave, and ambitious in our approach to Personalisation and Direct Payments. We will listen to, and work together with, people receiving their own personal budget, council and health staff, and partners. Together, creating ways of working that are simple, easy to use and transparent. We will make sure people are able to try new things and feel safe when making their own choices about the support they have. People will know what their personal budget is to help them plan better. To achieve this, we will build vibrant and innovative communities, a strong offer for personal assistants and a marketplace that reflects what people want. Our staff will have a deep understanding about personalisation, the values that underpin it.” 9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected 9.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Withdraw the Personalisation and Direct Payments Strategy Delivery Plan – Rejected as the offer of personalised support and Direct Payments are statutory duties within The Care Act 2014, Care and Support (Direct Payments) Regulations 2014, Care and Support Statutory Guidance issued with the Care Act 2014, Children and Families Act 2014