§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which authorities operate direct payment schemes; and when each started to do so. [116458]
§ Jacqui SmithThe information requested is not held centrally.
The most recent data outlining the number of direct payments recipients by local council is in the Autumn Position Statement, September 2002. Further details can be found on the direct payments website at ww.doh. gov. uk/directpayments/index.htm.
From 8 April 2003, The Community Care, Services for Carers and Children's Services (Direct Payments) (England) Regulations 2003 requires councils to offer direct payments to people using community care services who have an assessed need and are able to manage them (alone or with assistance).
We have a performance indicator which serves as a further incentive and a strong challenge to encourage progress in this field. For 2003–04 we will be introducing a key performance indicator (KPI) that will mean that councils' overall performance will be reflected in their successful or otherwise implementation of direct payments.