Monitoring and reviewing direct payments

10.1    The council will keep direct payments under review to ensure that they are being used as intended, that conditions are met and that public funds are being used effectively. 

10.2    We will inform anyone entering into a direct payment agreement with the council about monitoring and review requirements including what records they must retain and what information they will be required to produce. 

10.3    We will review how direct payments are being used within the first six months of the agreement and then at intervals of no more than 12 months.

10.4    The council will also review direct payments at any time when it considers that:

• there has been a change in capacity, or
• any of the conditions listed at paragraphs 3.1 (adults with capacity) or 3.4 (adults who lack capacity) is no longer met, or
• direct payments have not been used as intended, or
• the adult’s safety and welfare have been compromised or
• there has been any change which may adversely affect the effectiveness and intention of the support/after-care arrangements

10.5    Reviews will be appropriate and proportionate to the relevant circumstances. The review may:

• be a ‘light touch’ online review of the payment card account after which the council will write to the person managing direct payments to confirm that the account has been reviewed and to raise any identified concerns
• be more detailed and involve all relevant parties. The council will confirm the outcome of the review in writing

10.6    When an adult is receiving direct payments to meet both social care and health needs, the council will make every effort to coordinate processes to try to reduce administrative and compliance requirements.