Cumbria County Council actively promotes the take up of direct payments as an option for all service users who are eligible for a direct payment following an assessment of their needs. Assisting service users achieve their optimum level of independence is an underpinning philosophy whether their care needs are met through services purchased for the user by the Council or, where it is possible and is the wish of the service user, via the service use’s own management of their care provision through direct payments.
The aim of a Direct Payment is to provide flexibility in the provision of social care services. By giving money to people in need of support, rather than directly provided social care services, the Service gives people a greater control over their lives and how their care and support is delivered.
The service will be delivered throughout Cumbria and will:
- enable service users to use Direct Payments effectively by means of appropriate advice, support and guidance.
- enable service users through effective use of direct payments to be in control and live as independently as possible.
Cumbria County Council is seeking tenders from established, suitably experienced organisations, to provide a Direct Payments Advice and Support service to all eligible service user groups.