Derby care users to get clearer Direct Payments policy

Derby residents who arrange their own adult social care could soon have a clearer single policy setting out how Direct Payments work, what support they can expect, and how to challenge decisions.

Derby City Council has drawn up a new Direct Payment Policy for adults who receive money to buy care and support that meets their assessed needs, instead of having services arranged directly by the council. The policy is due to go before Derby Cabinet on 10 June 2026.

Direct Payments give care users more control

Direct Payments are used in adult social care to let eligible people manage their own support. In practice, this can mean using an agreed personal budget to buy care that fits a person’s daily needs, routines and preferences.

The council says Direct Payments are already used in Derby and are the Government’s preferred way of personalising care and support. The aim is to give residents more independence, choice and control while still keeping the arrangement linked to assessed care needs.

For some people, that may mean choosing a care provider. For others, it may involve arranging support in a way that works better around family life, work, health appointments or independent living.

The new policy puts council guidance in one place

The proposed Direct Payment Policy is intended to bring previous information from across Derby City Council into a single document. The council says the policy has also been updated so it is more in line with approaches used by other local authorities.

After a 12-week formal consultation, the document has been revised to make it more accessible and easier to read. The consultation was aimed at reaching service users who receive Direct Payments.

The council says the policy now includes changes proposed after feedback from respondents. It is also expected to set out clearer details on who residents can contact, how complaints can be made, and how people can appeal a decision.

Existing and future Direct Payment users are most affected

The policy is mainly relevant to adults in Derby who receive Direct Payments, people considering them, carers supporting someone who uses them, and families helping manage care arrangements.

It may also matter for residents who want to understand the responsibilities that come with arranging care directly. Direct Payments can offer more flexibility, but they also involve rules on how care funding is used and recorded.

Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said the authority had listened to residents and consolidated the information into one accessible document.

Derby Cabinet will decide on 10 June

The new policy is scheduled to be considered by Derby Cabinet on 10 June 2026. If approved, it would become the council’s updated reference point for residents using Direct Payments in adult social care.

The council published the notice on 3 June 2026, ahead of the Cabinet meeting. Residents affected by Direct Payments should look for the final approved version after that decision.

Source: Derby City Council