Community care (direct payments) act 1996

• Published in: Primary health care Vol. 11; no. 7; pp. 37 - 38
• Main Author: Spain, Rachael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London RCNi 01-09-2001
• Subjects: Adult education; Caregivers; Disability; Health services; People with disabilities; Quality of life; Social services; Social workers
• ISSN: 0264-5033; 2047-900X
• DOI: 10.7748/phc.11.7.37.s16

The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 deals with local authorities' home care provision. It aims 'to give local authorities the power to make cash payments for community care direct to the individuals who need services' (Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1966 - Policy and Guidance. Department of Health. 1997). It was implemented on April 1 1997, with the Department of Health issuing a comprehensive policy and guidelines document. These guidelines have already been reviewed, with updated guidance published in October 1999. The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 gives individuals in receipt of services such as domiciliary care, respite and day services the right to manage services previously organised for them by social services. But the act came with the proviso that, although they are encouraged to do so, local authorities do not have to offer such a scheme - it is not compulsory.