Section 4 – Options for self-directed support
13.Section 4(1) provides the four options for self-directed support, which will be available to individuals when they are assessed as needing care and support or support as an adult carer. The options are:
| Option 1 | The making of a direct payment by the local authority to the supported person for the provision of support. |
| Option 2 | The selection of support by the supported person, the making of arrangements for the provision of it by the local authority on behalf of the supported person and, where it is provided by someone other than the authority, the payment by the local authority of the relevant amount in respect of the cost of that provision. |
| Option 3 | The selection of support for the supported person by the local authority, the making of arrangements for the provision of it by the authority and, where it is provided by someone other than the authority, the payment by the authority of the relevant amount in respect of the cost of that provision. |
| Option 4 | The selection by the supported person of Option 1, 2 or 3 for each type of support and, where it is provided by someone other than the authority, the payment by the local authority of the relevant amount in respect of the cost of the support. |
14.Section 4(2) defines a “direct payment” as a payment of a relevant amount to the supported person for the purpose of enabling the person to arrange for the provision of support by any person (including the authority). It explains the meaning of the term “relevant amount” (which is used in the definitions of all four of the self-directed support options) as the amount that the local authority considers a reasonable estimate of the cost of securing the provision of support for the supported person. It also provides that references to “supported person” and “support” must be read in accordance with sections 5, 7 and 8.
