URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1994

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To evaluate and approve a future model for the Direct Payment service. Focusing on how to grow the number of people the Council supports accessing a Direct Payment and increasing the options for people who use direct payments.

Content: To evaluate and approve a future model for the Direct Payment service. Focusing on how to grow the number of people the Council supports accessing a Direct Payment and increasing the options for people who use direct payments. Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Adult Services concerning the proposed commission for the future Direct Payment Support Service for residents within Cheshire West and Chester.   Cabinet noted that direct payments were given to people which allowed them to buy their own care directly rather than receiving services arranged for them by the Council. This gave the recipient of the direct payment significantly more choice and control over the support they received to meet their assessed needs. Direct payment support had been provided as part of the contract held by Disability Positive since 2018 and jointly funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Cheshire and Merseyside to support their ‘Personal Health Budget’ service. This was due to end on 31st March 2026 and the report proposed a new service designed to lead to an increase in the use of Direct Payments. This gave greater choice and control to residents and reduce overall costs to the Council. The Council wished to increase the numbers of people who use a Direct Payment. In order for this to be achieved, the service specification had been redesigned, and an enhanced Direct Payment Support Service would be commissioned.   Visiting Members: Councillors Gaynor Sinar and Lynn Gibbon spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal.   Cabinet welcomed the new Direct Payment Support Service model which would provide better value for money and greater flexibility in the services and equipment that could be purchased. This would be a new dynamic, front-facing and positive approach which would put residents at the centre and see improved quality of life   Members acknowledged the co-production with recipients which had produced a new specification for this service, giving more control over outcomes for those requiring personal assistance.    Members were reassured that the new Direct Payment model would be monitored closely and that the model process would be changed if pace or direction needed review.     DECIDED:    That   1)            the new Direct Payment Support Service model which will support people to manage a direct payment to buy a range of different services or equipment to meet their needs including the recruitment of Personal Assistants be approved; 2)            the Executive Director of Adult Services be authorised to commence and conclude a procurement process to commission a new three plus one plus one-year contract to start 1st April 2026; and 3)            the Executive Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, be delegated authority to award the contracts to the successful provider.   Reason for Decision   1)            Currently, the Council and Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) jointly commission a direct payment and Personal Health Budget Support Service. The contract will end on 31st March 2026. The ICB has decided to exit this joint arrangement at the end of the current contract. A new contract is required which will be solely commissioned by the Council to provide a Direct Payment Support Service.   2)            The Council is aiming to increase the numbers of people who use a Direct Payment so that more people are enabled to have greater choice and control and the Council can achieve greater value for money; this will bring the Council in line with the national average. To achieve this, the service specification has been redesigned, and an enhanced Direct Payment Support Service will be commissioned.   Alternative Options   Other alternative models were considered including an internal and hybrid support service; however, due to the importance of direct payments being independent of the council, achieving best value, ensuring expertise and timely service mobilisation an externally commissioned service was the recommended option.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025