Direct Payments
Direct payments
ASCOF data for 2022/23 shows that 22.5% of people are receiving Direct Payments, which is slightly lower than the England average of 26.2%. However, our ambition is to improve this performance and increase the levels of those in receipt of Direct Payments. Customers have raised that our direct payments approach is complicated with inconsistencies across services in relation to how the Direct Payment pathway has been implemented. Part of our focus has been on reviewing the arrangements for people already in receipt of direct payments.
In addition, a Direct Payment Programme which is part of our improvement programme has now commenced. This is a joint programme sponsored by both Adults and Health, and Operational Finance, as both areas support residents who opt for a direct payment.
Based on the findings from the review of current direct payments the first phase of the programme is to focus on how to improve the immediate situation described above. This includes a review the Direct Payment Policy, all direct payment agreements, forms, and letters with the aim to simplify both the information and volume of documents provided to residents and staff. This work will include a review of the information provided both on the West Sussex and both our contracted providers websites, as well as information leaflets to improve access to information. There will be a pilot providing information as to the potential costs of services for those considering a direct payment to support them plan for their care. Staff across the service will also be provided with key information, this will be communicated using team meetings and drop-in sessions to ensure staff are aware of the direct payment offer and confident when advising residents. This phase should conclude at the end of 2024 and enable joint reviews of direct payment customers as from the start of 2025.
The second phase of the direct payment programme will be aligned to the retendering of the Direct Payment Support Service contract which may change and the pre-paid card contract. This phase will involve a review of the end-to-end customer journey and aims to commence in the autumn of 2024.