11 - Direct Payments for residents

Dudley Council is urging people with disabilities to make the most of an initiative designed to give them more choice on how they receive care.

Hundreds of borough residents are already taking advantage of Direct Payments, which allow people with a physical, sensory or learning disability or a mental health problem to receive a tailored care service to meet their specific needs.

The scheme is also available to the parent, carer or guardian of a child with a disability, older people and carers over 16. Qualification for the scheme depends on an assessment from social services.

Disabled people who are assessed and eligible for support services from the council can choose to receive cash payments to pay for the support they need as an individual instead of receiving care directly from social services.

The money can be used to pay for someone to do their weekly shop, to help with washing and dressing or to support them during social and leisure activities for example.

Councillor Peter Miller, cabinet member for adult and community services, said:

“The council is committed to extending the benefits of direct payments to more and more people. It’s an excellent service and I would therefore encourage people to find out if they could sign up to the scheme and take control of the way they receive care services.”

So far approximately 300 adults and 50 disabled children have benefited from the scheme since it launched in 1997. People who think they could benefit should speak to their social worker or call the council’s direct payments team on 01384 813465.

News Release Contact Information

Name:	Vikki Marshall
Telephone:	01384 818332
Email:	vikki.marshall@dudley.gov.uk

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