The King’s Fund has today, 25 September 2026, published ‘Direct Payments: Creating the conditions for choice and control’. This new research explores why Direct Payment uptake varies so widely across England, and what local authorities can do to improve it.
Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) supported this research by convening a reference group of people who draw on care and support and a range of organisations and networks that work in and around Direct Payments practice, processes and improvement. Throughout the review, the group helped to inform the researchers’ interpretation of their findings and contributed to the development and testing of the review’s conclusions and recommendations.
Martin Walker, Head of Practice Improvement, Self-directed Support, at TLAP, said:
“Direct Payments allow people to arrange their own care and support in ways that reflect their individual needs, circumstances and aspirations. This research highlights both the transformative impact that they can have on people’s lives and the need to renew our focus on the principles of personalisation, choice and control that underpin them.
“Direct Payments are underscored in policy and enshrined in law, but there is a significant gap between what people are entitled to and what they experience. TLAP has worked extensively with partners to develop practical resources to close this gap. We are pleased to see these recognised in the report and encouraged by the continuing commitment of local authorities and practitioners to deliver greater choice and control for people who draw on care and support.
“This is essential because, as the report recognises, improving Direct Payments is not simply a question of better guidance or implementation. It requires a wider shift towards a care and support system that delivers personalisation, choice and control more consistently.
“The Prime Minister has established social care as a key government priority and, on the steps of 10 Downing Street, committed to putting “the care of people at the heart” of everything he does. If this commitment is to be realised, Direct Payments have an important role to play.”
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, Associate Director of TLAP, said:
“Direct Payments should be a route to a life, not merely a funding mechanism. As someone who draws on care and support and employs Personal Assistants, I know they can be transformative when they are backed by trust, practical support and genuine flexibility. But transferring money is not the same as transferring power. The real test is not simply how many people receive a Direct Payment, but whether people gain genuine choice and control, what becomes possible in their lives, and whether that experience is equitable.”
If you have any questions in relation to this release, please contact Molly Pennington, Press and Media Relations Officer, at molly.pennington@scie.org.uk
