I am writing to request information regarding your local authority’s use and support of direct payments, personal assistant (PA) models, and digital tools for care provision. We are seeking to better understand local authority approaches to commissioning, workforce support, and service management. We would be grateful if you could respond to the following:

Direct Payments – Uptake and Budget
1. What percentage of adult social care users in your authority currently receive direct payments: 28%
2. How many individuals (numerically) are in receipt of direct payments: 374
3. What was the total direct payment expenditure in 2024/25: £7,365,863.60
4. What is the projected direct payment expenditure for 2025/26 (if available): £7,623,200.00

Strategic Planning
5. Does your authority have a strategy or target to increase direct payment uptake over the next 1–3 years: Yes
6. Are you working to reduce the cost of commissioned care by encouraging a shift to direct payment models: No
7. Are you planning to re-commission or review your current direct payments support model in the next 12–24 months: No

Direct Payment Support Services
8. Who currently supports individuals in your area with:
a) Direct payment setup and advice: The initial conversations are with the individuals allocated social care worker.
b) PA recruitment and employment support: Our in-house Direct Payment team
c) Payroll and budget monitoring: Our in-house Direct Payment team
d) Ongoing training and compliance: WBC
e) Is this service provided in-house or by an external organisation: Internally

9. If externally provided: N/A
a) What is the name of the provider: N/A
b) Is the provider under a formal contract: N/A
c) What is the value and end date of this contract: N/A
d) Will this contract be re-tendered, and if so, when: N/A

Personal Assistant (PA) Workforce
10. How many PAs are currently known or active within your local area: https://directory.wokingham.gov.uk/kb5/wokingham/directory/results.page?qt=
11. Do you operate a PA register or directory? If yes, is this publicly accessible: https://directory.wokingham.gov.uk/kb5/wokingham/directory/results.page?qt=
12. Do you offer any kind of digital or online matching service to connect PAs with direct payment users? https://publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk/assured-care-and-support

Technology and Digital Innovation
13. Is your authority currently using or considering any digital solutions that offer:
a) PA matching and profile browsing: No
b) Digital wallets or payment tools for personal budget management: No
c) Health logging, scheduling, or care planning tools: No
d) AI-assisted onboarding, safeguarding alerts, or monitoring tools: No
e) Real-time oversight or service evaluation dashboards: Yes