Direct Payments: Should You Say Yes to Requests for Support?

Why Direct Payments Aren’t Always the Right Fit

Direct Payments offer people greater choice and control over their care, but they also bring complexity for providers. Before accepting a new client with a Direct Payment, it’s important to weigh up the risks, rewards, and fit for your business model.

Factors to Consider Before Saying Yes

• Payment Security: Will payments be reliable, or are there risks of delayed or missed payments?
• Scale: Does supporting individual Direct Payment clients fit your business model, or will it drain resources?
• Safeguarding: Are you confident you can manage risks effectively without the usual local authority oversight?
• Alignment with Your Offer: Does the request align with your expertise, values, and strategy?
• Impact on Workforce: Are your staff prepared and supported to work flexibly and autonomously?

Balancing Opportunity and Risk

Direct Payments can be positive for providers who plan carefully and build the right processes. But they aren’t a shortcut to growth. Saying no can sometimes protect your reputation and resources.