§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to encourage local authorities to make available direct payments for care. [136054]
§ Dr. LadymanFrom 8 April 2003, there has been a duty placed on local councils to make direct payments to those who choose to receive them. The Government have also established the direct payments development fund. This will provide £9 million over three years to national, regional and local voluntary organisations in partnership with local councils. This is a substantial investment in direct payments support services, key to improving access to direct payments. Increasing the take up of direct payments will contribute to the overall assessment of each council's performance that is made each year.