Future Provision of Direct Payments in Cardiff

Descriptions

The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 states that Direct Payments are an essential tool for the council in meeting the Welsh Government’s strategic aim of supporting eligible individuals and carers to achieve their wellbeing outcomes.The purpose of Direct Payments is to give people flexibility over when their care is provided, the exact nature of the care, choice and control over who they choose to support them and the standards and quality of that care.Direct Payments can be used for meeting the care and support needs of a child and of their carer. They can also be used for the direct employment of personal assistants or for the provision of care through a domiciliary care agency.They are typically used for;• Support with personal care• Accessing community activities• Assistance with maintaining employment• Respite arrangements• Purchase of equipment and minor home adaptationsThe City of Cardiff Council currently supports 143 children (11 working towards a direct payment) and 623 adults (43 working towards a direct payment).The arrangements that the council have in place will soon expire. It is therefore proposed that a tender exercise will begin in early February 2017.The City of Cardiff Council proposes to run a competitive tender exercise to appoint either one or two providers to deliver a sustainable direct payment service to eligible children, adults, carers and families across the authority.The council has reviewed its direct payment support service requirements in light of legislative changes, and it is anticipated that a successful provider(s) will be required to deliver both a Support Service and a Managed Account Service.The successful provider will be required to deliver services which meet the outcomes of individuals as set out in their support plans, giving individuals more choice, control and independence in their lives.