Self Directed Care (Direct Payments)
Self Directed care - also known as direct payments - offers people using services a cash payment as an alternative to the local authority arranging a services or services on behalf of a person using community care services (or children's services). These can be used in a number of ways including:
- to employ staff directly
- to purchase services through an agency or voluntary organisation or through a local authority
- to purchase equipment
A direct payment can be used for one, some or all of the services the person has been assessed as requiring.
The information below provides guidance on self-directed support in Scotland.
Update to Guidance (November 2007)
Scottish Government Community Care Circular (CCD9/2007) which updates guidance on self-directed care. This update enables close relatives to be employed through direct payments where a local authority is satisfied that this it is necessary to meet the beneficiary's need for that service or, subbject to an exception, is necessary to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child in need (which would include a disabled child)
National Guidance on Self-Directed Care (July 2007)
Scottish Government guidance (CCD7/2007) is based on the findings of three national working groups, the recommendations of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee Care Inquiry, and a public consultation. It describes simple and effective schemes for self-directed support and is for use by local authority staff, support organisations and service providers and, will also be of assistance to carers and service users. This replaces earlier guidance on direct payments from June 2003.
Page Last Modified: 25/02/2008
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