A Direct Payments Policy for Derby

Share A Direct Payments Policy for Derby on Facebook Share A Direct Payments Policy for Derby on Twitter Share A Direct Payments Policy for Derby on Linkedin Email A Direct Payments Policy for Derby link
Image shows two women, one holding paper and a pen making notes

Update

Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation on direct payments.

Following a 12-week public consultation period, Council Cabinet has now approved the Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy. The Policy clearly brings together key information on direct payments, in line with the Care Act 2014, for the benefit of people with care and support needs. The Policy provides a source of information for people who already receive direct payments and for those who are thinking about making a request for direct payments. It will be implemented from 1 July 2026, with both a full policy document

Update

Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation on direct payments.

Following a 12-week public consultation period, Council Cabinet has now approved the Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy. The Policy clearly brings together key information on direct payments, in line with the Care Act 2014, for the benefit of people with care and support needs. The Policy provides a source of information for people who already receive direct payments and for those who are thinking about making a request for direct payments. It will be implemented from 1 July 2026, with both a full policy document and an easy-read version being published.

The Council very carefully considered all consultation responses, and the Direct Payments Policy was updated and improved based on the insights gained from the feedback. In addition, suggestions were made through the consultation relating to wider direct payments services and practices, which will now be considered for implementation, as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Background

Direct payments are the Government’s preferred way of personalising care and support. They can provide independence, choice and control, by enabling people to buy their own care and support, to meet their needs.

In Derby, around 900 individuals currently receive direct payments to arrange their own care and support services. As part of the Council’s commitment to supporting individuals, around £14 million is currently allocated as direct payments to meet assessed care and support needs.

As an inclusive city, the Council aims to encourage and build strong and resilient communities, where people start well, age well and live independently for as long as possible. As a Council, we wish to see more people enabled to live independently. Direct payments are a way in which people can gain more flexibility, choice and independence over how their care and support is arranged and provided. 

Derby City Council’s current approach to direct payments is set out across various documents, which are published on our website. We feel that individuals with care and support needs would benefit from a single Direct Payments Policy document, clearly bringing together information on the following key areas:

  • Useful background information on direct payments.

  • The use of third-party managed account providers, to support people in managing their direct payments.

  • Family members receiving payments for care and support.

  • Payment methods, for example, pre-paid cards and banks accounts.

  • Direct payment funds held by individuals with care and support needs.

The proposed Direct Payments Policy will provide a source of information for people who already receive direct payments, and for those who are thinking about making a request for direct payments.

This Consultation Document sets out the policy areas that we are proposing to include in Derby’s Direct Payments Policy. The proposals build on Derby’s current approach to direct payments, with some additional steps, to refresh and strengthen our practices. All proposed changes, and the reasons for them, are clearly set out in this Consultation Document.

This consultation is now closed.



  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Direct payments

    Thank you for taking the time to take our survey. Please submit your response by 6 April 2026. 

    If you need this consultation in an alternative format please contact consultation.proposals@derby.gov.uk 

    Share Direct payments on Facebook Share Direct payments on Twitter Share Direct payments on Linkedin Email Direct payments link
Page published: 15 Jun 2026, 04:13 PM