I wish more people knew that Direct Payments aren’t just a way of paying for care and support, they’re a way for people to have real choice and control over their life. When they work well, they give people freedom to live life their way. But when the system becomes more about policing than supporting, it can take away the very independence that Direct Payments are meant to give.
At the recent Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) webinar on making Direct Payments work with finite resources, I felt a real sense of hope. Dorset Council showed that when a local authority trusts people, good things happen. You don’t have to watch over every penny, you just need to see the progress that’s happening. That progress is what should guide decisions.
My experience
My son Joshua and I both receive Direct Payments, and they make a world of difference to our lives.
For Joshua, they’re the reason he can do what he loves. He goes to an activities centre where he cooks, does arts and crafts, visits theatres, and so much more. Joshua also has PAs who take him to do things like boxercise, swimming, and dance. All these things make Joshua happy and healthy.
My own Direct Payments are used for more practical things. They pay for help around the house, like cleaning and other day-to-day tasks. Without that support, Joshua and I couldn’t live together in our family home. It helps me look after Joshua and keeps our life running.
When things get difficult
But it’s not always straightforward. Managing forms, spreadsheets, and bank statements is a lot of work. Once, after a small error that I quickly corrected, I got a call from my local authority saying that I “wasn’t coping”. No one asked me why it had happened, they just assumed I couldn’t manage. That made me feel like I wasn’t doing a good enough job, and as if I was being accused of stealing or committing fraud.
I wish people working in Direct Payments could understand what my daily life is really like. To see what it’s like to juggle care, work, home life, and admin. Most people aren’t asking for less accountability. We’re asking for support that recognises real life. A little flexibility and understanding would make the system fairer and more accessible.
My message to people who work in Direct Payments
Direct Payments work best when the relationship between councils and people is based on trust and communication. When you take time to understand people’s day-to-day realities, it becomes easier to make the system genuinely supportive.
My message to people who access Direct Payments
You have the right to a life, too. If your Direct Payments aren’t working, it’s not just on you to fix it. Ask for help – there are teams who can work through it with you. If you’re struggling to find a PA, talk to your local authority about other options. There is support out there.
A final thought
I’ve seen the positive difference Direct Payments can make to people’s lives, and I’ve seen how they can become a source of stress when they’re too rigid and over-policed.
Direct Payments are meant to enable people to live good lives, as members of their community, doing the things they love. If we can hold onto that vision, trust people to use them in ways that support that vision, and get people the right help when they need it, then Direct Payments can work better for more people.
Learn about how we can improve Direct Payments through our Reinvigorating Direct Payments event and webinar series or by exploring our e-learning resources.
