Direct payments: what are the barriers?

Author:
COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL CARE INSPECTION
Publisher:
Commission for Social Care Inspection
Publication year:
2004
Pagination:
24p.
Place of publication:
London

This report includes the findings of a consultation event and follow-up policy seminar that the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) held in June 2004. The purpose was to collect evidence and opinions about factors that were limiting the successful implementation of direct payments – the policy whereby people receive cash in lieu of social services, which they are assessed as needing, in order to arrange their own care and support. Though growing, the number of people receiving direct payments remains disappointingly low. The barriers are broadly seen to be: lack of clear information for people who might take advantage of direct payments; low staff awareness of direct payments and what they are intended to achieve; restrictive or patronising attitudes about the capabilities of people who might use a direct payment and a reluctance to devolve power away from professionals to the people who use the service; inadequate or patchy advocacy and support services for people applying for and using direct payments; inconsistencies between the intention of the legislation and local practice; unnecessary, over-bureaucratic paperwork; and problems in recruiting, employing, retaining and developing personal assistants and assuring quality.

Subject terms:
independence, interagency cooperation, joint working, local authorities, personal assistants, physical disabilities, service users, social services, user participation, carers, direct payments, good practice;

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