I’ve heard this from several places now. Has anyone else heard this? Where does it come from? It’s not really true is it? The essentials of SDS law and Direct Payment law are all given in Primary Legislation, Regulations and Statutory Guidance, no? Am I missing anything? EDIT: I’ll expand on this …

Hi Josh Good to read your thoughts on this and it’s how I envisage it to be but like you I think I must be missing something. I’ve enquired about and I’ve been informed the LA have a right to use their own procedures in making the direct payment.i.e. they can decide not to give you a lump sum but …

I’ve had a few SDS reviews now and I have never felt that it was fully collaborative. I’ve never been involved in setting objectives, this has always been done by the SW. LA protocol states that there are limits on what the budget can be spent on ( there’s a list of do’s and don’ts that don’t fit we…

Yes indeed. The whole point of SDS is to return control to the individual. LAs seem to be doing whatever they can to avoid that.

Awful to read your experience. I agree 100% from my experiences it also feels like grovelling and control. Not speaking for everyone of course I’m certain there must be some people had a good experience.

What about caps? Our assessment started with a statement of what the cap was and that should the assessed care needs exceed the cap there were 2 options Fund any care exceed the cap yourself Residential care My understanding of the Act and guidance is that blanket cap is not permissible ? PA ma…

"Local authorities all have different rules..."

The SDS Forum

justinb 17 February 2026 13:47 7

@LindaH there was some chat about this issue here: Paying PAs more than the minimum wage - PA Employers - SDS Forum

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"Local authorities all have different rules..."

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