I have finally managed to get my LA (Aberdeenshire Council) to authorise funding of a MotoMed (Physiotherapy equipment) using my SDS budget (option 1/direct payment) to pay the supplier “Medimotion” using their hire to buy plan- it was a 6 monthly process involving me getting physiotherapy assessments,putting in 3x formal complaints after a location manager initially ignored evidence/correspondence from myself & other professionals. I also latterly involved local councillors ,to make sure I got what I was entitled to and ensure correct processes and policies were followed!
Finally after a lot of inaccurate & miscommunications from the location manager; it was accepted I meet the requirements in Aberdeenshire Council’s non-residential charging policy AHSCP Non Residential Charging Policy 2026 27 (PDF 611KB) so there is no charge.
My experience is you have to fight for everything & challenge decisions that do not follow the legislation or local policies.Fortunately my care management team, local SDS advisors & local councillors were supportive.
I can’t pretend the process was straightforward or stressfree, but I hope others can benefit from my experience and get equipment they are entitled to using their SDS budget.