Self-directed Support: Draft Regulations, Draft Rules for Direct Payments - Easy-read Summary

Part 4: Sometimes people cannot get a direct payment

Rule 11: Some people are not allowed to get a direct payment

This includes:

• People who get treatment and testing for drugs as part of the law
• People who have left prison and who need to agree to treatment for a mental health problem or to stop taking drugs or alcohol
• A person who has been found guilty of a crime and who needs to get treatment as part of a Community Order.

It also includes someone whose direct payment has stopped because the local council does not think the person has used the money properly.

Question 3: What do you think?

Tell us what you think about not giving direct payments to people who need care and treatment as part of an order by the courts.

Rule 12: You cannot use a direct payment for some services

The local council does not have to give someone a direct payment if the person needs support because they:

• are homeless
• need to get away from being abused at home by a family member
• need help to stop taking drugs or alcohol

Question 4: What do you think?

Tell us what you think about not giving direct payments to people who:

• Are homeless
• Are getting away from abuse at home
• Need help to stop taking drugs and alcohol.

The local council does not have to give someone a direct payment if the person needs support with:

• Staying in a care home or nursing home for more than 4 weeks.

Question 5: What do you think?

Tell us what you think about not giving direct payments to people who need to stay in a care home or nursing home.

Direct payments can be given to children and families for care and support services for a child. But the council can say “No” if it thinks a direct payment will not help to keep the child safe and healthy.

Question 6: What do you think?

The rules do not say exactly when and why the council can say No to children and families if they want to use direct payments for care and support. Do you think the rules should be more specific?

Do you have any other comments?

Question 7: What else do you think?

Is there anything else you want to tell us about the rules for direct payments? Is anything missing? Does anything needed changed?

Thank you.
Please send your views and answers by 10 July 2013 to:

Email: selfdirectedsupport@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Telephone: 0131 244 5455

You must also fill in and send the following form.