How will funding be made available?
If a personal budget is agreed, each agency will seek to ensure parents or the young person receive the budget as a Notional Budget, Third Party Payment or Direct Payment at the earliest opportunity and are clear about the requirements on them and support available.
A parent or young person will be expected to sign a Personal Budget / Direct Payment Agreement before payment is made. This will outline the parameters of use of the payments and how it should be managed. It will also outline other aspects, such as any employed person having to have an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (criminal record) check.
There is some exclusion as to who may receive a direct payment set out in the Personal Budget Guidance. Appendix
Although there will normally be a set amount of money paid on an agreed cycle there may be one off payments, for instance around specific equipment needs, that could be paid via the direct payment mechanism. A value for money judgement will be made in these circumstances. The equipment would need to meet professional specifications and maintenance of the equipment would be required.
All EHC plans, Child in Need plans and health plans are subject to a minimum annual review to determine the child /young person’s needs and what if any changes are required to ensure that individual outcomes are met. This may include situations where a personal budget is no longer required or only required at a reduced rate. Each review will result in the up-dating of the support plan and personal budget if any change is necessary. The support plan would then be re-presented to the appropriate panel for authorisation.