AQW 760/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/05/2022
Answered On Date: 07/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 30249/17-22, to detail the simplification that has been made to regional Direct Payments guidance.

Answer:

Direct Payments are made to a service user or carer following an assessment of their needs, in order to achieve an agreed outcome. It should be noted that this principle remains unchanged.

In response to requests from carers, Northern Ireland Guidance for People Receiving Direct Payments was published on 3 August 2020. The guidance encourages Health and Social Care Trusts to apply flexibilities in the use of Direct Payments, in order to better meet the needs of service users and carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance can be accessed at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-direct-payments

HSC Trusts are expected to support those people in receipt of Direct Payments by applying a flexible approach to meeting their needs and agreed outcomes, with the underpinning guiding principle being to ensure individuals safely receive the care and support they require.

The flexibilities and simplification included in the guidance include paying a close family member where care has broken down, use of unspent funds and paying for PPE if required.

Usually, a close family member who lives in the same household is not permitted by current guidance to receive payment, however given the exceptional circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, a short-term, temporary arrangement may be considered in discussion with the named worker and with prior, written permission from the local Trust.

Health and Social Care Trusts will adopt this more flexible approach to the use of Direct Payments until 30 September 2022.