British Journal of Social Work, 36(8), December 2006, pp.1379-1393.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
In 2003, the UK government placed a mandatory responsibility on local authorities to offer direct payments to eligible people. This article briefly explains the background to direct payments and details relevant literature. It then discusses the methodology and findings from a unique study, which looks at the financial characteristics of a group of direct payment users in the Midlands and compares them with a group of people using traditional services. The study test for statistically significant differences in the value of financial variables between the two groups to determine whether the direct payment group has greater income and financial wealth than people not accessing direct payments. The statistical analysis revealed that direct payment users in this sample are younger, more disabled individuals with higher levels of benefit income, which reflects their disability. The article considers the implications for social work practice and policy.
In 2003, the UK government placed a mandatory responsibility on local authorities to offer direct payments to eligible people. This article briefly explains the background to direct payments and details relevant literature. It then discusses the methodology and findings from a unique study, which looks at the financial characteristics of a group of direct payment users in the Midlands and compares them with a group of people using traditional services. The study test for statistically significant differences in the value of financial variables between the two groups to determine whether the direct payment group has greater income and financial wealth than people not accessing direct payments. The statistical analysis revealed that direct payment users in this sample are younger, more disabled individuals with higher levels of benefit income, which reflects their disability. The article considers the implications for social work practice and policy.
Subject terms:
income, local authorities, older people, service users, social care, social care provision, socioeconomic groups, access to services, benefits, direct payments, disabilities;
This book charts the change, critically evaluating progress, take-up, inclusion and access to direct payments by different user groups. With contributions from campaigners, academics, practitioners, direct payment users and personal assistants, the book: provides an overview of the history of direct payments; presents findings from key research into direct payments and disabled people, older people, carers, people with mental health problems, people with learning difficulties and disabled children; discusses the implementation and development of direct payments provision; compares developments in the UK with those in North America.
This book charts the change, critically evaluating progress, take-up, inclusion and access to direct payments by different user groups. With contributions from campaigners, academics, practitioners, direct payment users and personal assistants, the book: provides an overview of the history of direct payments; presents findings from key research into direct payments and disabled people, older people, carers, people with mental health problems, people with learning difficulties and disabled children; discusses the implementation and development of direct payments provision; compares developments in the UK with those in North America.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, older people, physical disabilities, service uptake, service users, access to services, carers, children, direct payments, evaluation;