Written Question · S3W-20998 · Session 3
Further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it considers there to be a contradiction between t…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-20102 by Shona Robison on 4 February 2009, whether it considers there to be a contradiction between the statement that there is no intention to withdraw existing direct payments in Orkney and the number of recipients of direct payments in Orkney between 2007 and 2008 dropping by 33% while the number rose in most other council areas and what the reasons are for its position on the matter.
The answer
The decline in numbers of direct payments recipients in Orkney between financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08 equates to a drop in service user numbers of 15. Orkney Council have explained the drop citing a number of reasons, including four deaths, changes in levels of need and one person moving from the area. Orkney Council have said that no direct payments have been withdrawn from individuals in receipt who wished to carry on with their packages. The budget allocated to direct payments by the council remains constant and has not been reduced. Work continues locally within the council to review the use and funding of direct payments.
There are early indications that the number of clients in receipt of direct payments will increase from financial year 2007-08 to 2008-09.
Ultimately, self-directed support is a matter of choice for individuals. However, we are developing a strategy with a reference group and funding a number of pieces of work, including three local authority test sites, to improve the uptake of self-directed support across Scotland.
Scottish Government officials are about to undertake visits to each local authority over the next year to fully understand the local circumstances affecting uptake with a view to informing the self-directed support strategy and, if necessary, legislation.
There are early indications that the number of clients in receipt of direct payments will increase from financial year 2007-08 to 2008-09.
Ultimately, self-directed support is a matter of choice for individuals. However, we are developing a strategy with a reference group and funding a number of pieces of work, including three local authority test sites, to improve the uptake of self-directed support across Scotland.
Scottish Government officials are about to undertake visits to each local authority over the next year to fully understand the local circumstances affecting uptake with a view to informing the self-directed support strategy and, if necessary, legislation.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-20998 by reference.