Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose: To consider the report of Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health seeking approval of the Draft Adult Social Care Direct Payment Policy.

Content: (i)  Approve implementation of the Adult Social Care Direct Payment Policy, subject to agreement of the budget by Council on 25 February 2026 (ii)  Approve implementation of standard rates, subject to agreement of the budget by Council on 25 February 2026 (iii)  Approve delegated authority to the Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children and Learning (Director for Adult Social Services) for minor amendments to the policy, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, S151 Officer and Director of Legal and Governance.

Reasons for the decision: The current Adult Social Care Direct Payment Policy predates overarching legislation (Care Act 2014) and is not fit for purpose. Staff have been working without a clear policy document, hindering the promotion of Direct Payments as an option to meeting assessed eligible care and support needs.   The current structure of Direct Payments prevents the Council from easily meeting its statutory duty to ensure Direct Payments keep pace with the cost of services. Currently, this is only possible following a review by an allocated social care practitioner. This leads to delays in implementing uplifts which are often needed each April. Individuals have fed back to us that this causes significant stress, worry and financial strain. Standardised rates will eliminate this issue for the most common types of Direct Payment (Agency, PA, Self Employed PA, Day Services).   Delays in reviewing individual uplift requests to ensure Direct Payments keep pace with the cost of services often results in a hidden budget pressure. Implementation of this policy and standard rates will enable us to better plan for this on an annual basis.   Direct Payments recognise that the person best placed to understand and commission support for an individual with assessed eligible care and support needs is often the individual themselves. Direct Payments provide the individual with the funds to be their own commissioner and create a truly bespoke and person-centred support package which is under their direct control. They promote independence and support individuals to lead healthy and active lives in line with the Councils Corporate Plan, objectives and priorities.

Alternative options considered: Remain as we are – no change This option has been rejected as the current Adult Social Care Direct Payment Policy predates overarching legislation (Care Act 2014) and is not fit for purpose. Further the current structure of Direct Payments prevents the Council from easily meeting its statutory duty to ensure Direct Payments keep pace with the cost of services leading to significant stress, worry and financial strain for individuals in receipt of a Direct Payment.   To implement the policy without standard rates This option has been rejected as the current structure of Direct Payments prevents the Council from easily meeting its statutory duty to ensure Direct Payments keep pace with the cost of services leading to significant stress, worry and financial strain for individuals in receipt of a Direct Payment.   To implement standard rates without the policy This option has been rejected as the current Adult Social Care Direct Payment Policy predates overarching legislation (Care Act 2014) and is not fit for purpose.