Following in Cumbria's footsteps on direct payments

Health Minister, Jacqui Smith today announced important new regulations requiring all councils to offer direct payments as an alternative to existing service provision, ensuring all council's follow in Cumbria's footsteps. Cumbria is a leader in the national field, receiving an award in November 2001 for Direct Payments Advice and Information service. The county is recognised as being at the leading edge of direct payment provision and currently have more than 150 social care service users receiving direct payments. 

Direct payments enable people with a disability receiving community care services to control their own care provision. A direct payment means that people can choose how care needs are met and by whom, giving more independence and choice. The County's Advice and Information service is based on three independent service advisers, giving advice, information and support about the Direct Payments scheme. The independent advisers enable people to make informed decisions about whether Direct Payments are right for them and can then help with support and information. This ensures that the way the payment is spent is in the control of the person receiving it. Two specialist advisers have recently been appointed to work with people with learning disabilities and those with mental health problems. It is believed that they are the first specialist advisers in the country working on direct payments. 

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says, 

"Direct payments enable people with a disability receiving community care services to control their own care provision. A direct payment means that people can choose how care needs are met and by whom, giving more independence and choice. The Direct Payments scheme in Cumbria has been very successful. I am pleased that Jacqui Smith has announced the new regulations, ensuring all local care providing council's follow in our footsteps." 

Fred Wilenius, Direct Payments Project Manager for Cumbria says, 

"The Direct Payments scheme in Cumbria has been highly successful because of the involvement of service users from the start. The project has remained user focused and developed the service to meet people's specific needs. We currently have over 150 people using Direct Payments, one of the highest numbers in the country." 

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Advice and Information service or the Direct Payments scheme itself can contact Fred Wilenius, Project Manager on 01228 674882.