Direct Payments Support service (Children's)

The Council wishes to establish a Contract for the provision of Direct Payments Support Service (Children's). The Council is managing this procurement in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations.

Direct Payments offer an alternative means of meeting assessed social care needs by allowing individuals to receive cash payments from B&NES local authority instead of care services.

Direct Payments aim to empower children, young people, and their families by increasing choice, independence, and control over the way in which social care support is delivered. Direct payments are a service which parents and carers can opt for if they choose not to use the commissioned short break services that B&NES currently offer. Direct payments are intended to be used for a variety of services. These Direct Payments packages can cover a few hours a month to daily support. Direct Payments give carers flexibility, choice and control over the way they receive care services to support their children.

The objectives of direct payments for disabled children are to provide financial support to parents or carers to enable them to employ personal assistants or agencies to provide care and support. The payments are intended to be used to purchase care services of the individuals/ family's choice, ensuring that the child's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.