Since April 2003, every local council has had to offer those who are eligible money to buy services or equipment, as an alternative to the council arranging services for them. When a council gives someone money in this way, it is known as direct payments. You can now decide whether you want to receive direct payments to make your own arrangements or whether you want the council to make arrangements for you.

Direct payments are an important way of ensuring that more people can continue to live independently in their own homes. Giving you money instead of services will give you greater control over your life, because you make the decisions about how your care is provided.

SCILL offers an excellent support system for people who choose to use direct payments. The services shown below detail exactly how we can help you.