Self-directed support (SDS)

It is important to note that in all circumstances, all expenditures are clearly identified and formally approved within the Support Plan or Child’s Plan, ensuring alignment with the individual’s assessed outcomes.

The examples provided are not exhaustive. The Council retains the discretion to authorise additional costs where appropriate, provided such costs are not explicitly excluded and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of assessed outcomes. Each plan is tailored to the unique needs of the individual, and therefore, provisions applicable to one person may not be relevant to another.

Furthermore, as outcomes and the means of achieving them may evolve, regular reviews are necessary to evaluate and agree upon any amendments to the plan, including the appropriate use of direct payments.

Permitted use – what a Direct Payment can be used for

• Anything that has been identified and approved in the Support Plan/Child Plan to meet assessed outcomes
• Employing Personal Assistants
• Purchasing respite or care services from a provider organisation or other local authority
• Support to attend employment or access further or higher education
• Support to find employment or volunteering opportunities
• Purchasing items, activities or support that meet an identified/approved outcome
• Purchasing equipment that meets an identified/approved outcome, excluding any equipment/items that can be provided by the NHS or the Occupational Therapy Service

Excluded use – what a Direct Payment cannot be used for

• Anything that has not been identified and approved in the Support Plan/Child Plan to meet assessed outcomes
• Anything which is against the law, including employment law
• Anything which may unreasonably endanger any person and put their safety at risk
• Gambling, including scratch cards, bingo, cards, casinos, online gambling or slot machines
• Financial investments
• Any service or equipment that should be provided by the NHS or the Occupational Therapy Service
• Anything that personal income/monies should cover, for example: any household expenditure, groceries, shopping, food/eating out, clothes, alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, personal entertainment or activities, holidays, rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, transport costs, insurances e.g. home, building, contents, life, holiday, car, equipment etc, bank charges/fees, home improvement, furniture, repairs, and maintenance costs
• Client Contributions for services, including respite, must be paid from personal monies
• Top-up Payments to providers (additional costs above the council’s approved rates) - must be paid from personal monies
• Permanent residential care and support
• Employing someone who is a Welfare or Financial Guardian or Power of Attorney
• Employment of a ‘close relative’, unless in adherence to the Direct Payment Regulations and agreed by the council
• Rewards, gifts or pocket money, including cash payments to carers or others
• Support that can be provided via other means, such as community assets like a local lunch club, youth club, friendship circle
• Paying off debts