The direct payments support service provides advice and assistance to adults, children and carers who use, or are considering using Direct Payments (DP) and Personal Health Budgets (PHB) to meet eligible assessed needs. The new contract is a collaborative approach between Newcastle City Council and NHS Newcastle, Gateshead CCG, we are combining DP/PHB’s to form a single point of service delivery.

The purpose of this contract is to assist the local authority and partner organisations to meet duties under legislation. The Council has a duty to provide care and support for those who are eligible for direct payments within the Care Act 2014. Direct Payments are a sum of money identified to meet an individual’s assessed need. The service will be delivered to residents of Newcastle upon Tyne and will be commissioned to meet individual outcomes, it is essential that the service delivery can be flexed to meet demand and help people live a good life. The Direct Payment Support Service provides advice and assistance to adults, children and carers using Direct Payments to meet their eligible care needs. It is essential that direct payment recipients have access to high quality independent information, advice and practical assistance to choose and manage their Direct Payment budget.