Keeping on track
Occasionally, while receiving Direct Payments, things will happen, or changes occur, and you will need to talk to someone about what to do.
If your needs are not being met
Warwickshire County Council may have a responsibility to become involved to help you. A review or reassessment of your needs may need to take place. The council may have to arrange services for a period or support you to enable you to carry on using Direct Payments. If you are assisting with managing Direct Payments for someone else, please contact the council and let them know about any changes.
If the emergency plans you have in place do not work
You will have discussed a plan about what you will do if your Personal Assistant goes off sick, takes annual leave, or doesn’t show up for work. Sometimes the contingency plans do not always work. If this happens, contact Warwickshire County Council and your allocated team. The council has a responsibility to assist you to meet your outcomes as identified in your Support Plan.
Buying a service from an agency
Your Social Care Team at Warwickshire County Council can advise you on how to buy support from agencies. There is also an information sheet called 'Using Agencies' (PDF, 145 KB), which explains what you should do when arranging your support this way. If something happens and you are not happy with the service from the agency, you need to contact them to discuss your concerns as you are their customer. You can also contact Warwickshire County Council and discuss your concerns.
Employing Personal Assistants
If you employ a Personal Assistant, you will become their employer. As an employer you must follow employment legislation. The council has a contract with Penderels Trust who will support you in all areas of employment.
If your PA threatens to take you to an industrial tribunal
If this unfortunately happens, please contact the recruitment and support organisation, Penderels Trust, immediately and your Employee Liability Insurance Company who will be able to support you.
If you get into any difficulty
Mistakes sometimes happen when people are using Direct Payments. Please contact your Social Care Team who will advise and support you with this.