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Direct payment schemes must not be restricted to particular sub-groups, despite the government’s recent focus on increasing uptake among older people, writes Lauren Revans.

Draft policy and practice guidance published by the department of health at the end of August and due to be implemented at the end of the year, reminds councils that they now have not just a power but a duty to make direct payments, and that they must ensure schemes serve all groups, such as people with learning difficulties, equitably.

The guidance adds: "The aim of direct payments is to promote independence, and they do so most effectively when they are introduced in a spirit of partnership between the council and the user.

"Councils should seek to leave as much choice as possible in the hands of the individual, and allow people to address their own needs in innovative ways, whilst satisfying themselves that the person’s assessed needs are being met, and that public funds are being spent appropriately and with best value."

Councils must also avoid making blanket assumptions that whole groups of people will be unable to manage direct payments, it adds. Alternative ways of making direct payments, such as through a user-controlled trust or through a mixed package of council-arranged services and direct payments, should also be considered.

Where it is concluded that someone is unable to manage a direct payment themselves, councils should consider payments to someone other than the person with an assessed need – known as indirect or third party payments – to ensure services are still person-centred. Further policy and practice guidance on indirect payments will be published at a later date.

'Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 - Draft policy and practice guidance: Consultation Paper' from www.doh.gov.uk/directpaymentsconsult/consultpaper.pdf