Credit where credit's due - Universal Credit and co-production

The latest Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) opinion piece by Pete Fleischman, Head of Coproduction, SCIE.

" How can we pay user and carers the expenses and fees they incur when they take part in projects without affecting their benefits? That's one of the most common queries I receive about co-production, apart from what exactly does it mean? (For the answer to that, see our Research Briefing on the issue)

There is much debate at the moment regarding government policy relating to benefits in general. These changes can affect the quality of life of the members of our Co-Production Network. This opinion piece just looks at one particular aspect of the Government's approach.

It is well established good practice that when users and carers give their time to improve public services, they should not be out of pocket. Why should a service user be the only person round a table who is not properly compensated for their time, expertise and contribution?"

http://www.scie.org.uk/news/opinion/universalcreditandcoproduction.asp