People tell us they want more choice and control over how their care and support needs are met. Direct Payments are an important way of helping people decide how their support is arranged and delivered.
During 2025/26, we strengthened our Direct Payment offer by improving information, guidance and support. Direct Payment Champions were introduced across Adult Social Care teams to increase awareness, share good practice and help people better understand the options available to them. Updated guidance and improved online information, including Easy Read resources, have also made Direct Payments easier to access and understand.
We also developed plans for a new Personal Assistant recruitment platform, helping people find and connect with suitably trained Personal Assistants. In addition, a new Direct Payment Support Service was commissioned to provide practical help for people managing their Direct Payments and making the most of self-directed support.
We will continue to use feedback and learning from these developments to strengthen self-directed support and increase opportunities for people to exercise greater choice and control over their care and support.
You should have greater choice and control over how your care and support needs are met. We are working to make it easier for people to understand Direct Payments, access practical support and make decisions about the care that best meets their individual needs.