I am writing to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding the council’s use of Direct Payments, prepaid cards, cash, and voucher options across services provided to Residents, Service Users, and Staff. This request pertains to (but is not limited to) the following service areas:
• Direct Payments
• Client Financial Affairs (where the Council acts as Corporate Appointee or Property & Affairs Deputy)
• No Recourse to Public Funds
• Finance – Petty Cash Cards
• Care Agencies – In-house or External
• Adult or Children’s Social Care – Emergency Cards
• Household Support Payments

PrePaid Card Info
1. Do you currently use a PrePaid card or other type of card provider? If so, what is the provider’s name?

2. What date does the current contract expire?

3. What is the name, E-Mail Address & phone number of the person and team that manages the Contract?

4. How much does each card cost?

5. How much do replacement cards cost?

6. What transaction costs are there and how much are they?

Client Bank Accounts
7. Do you manage individual bank accounts for your clients? If so, with whom?

8. Are these on a contract, and if so, what is the end date?

Direct Payment Managed Accounts
9. Does the Council use a third party to manage DP managed accounts? If so, who?

10. What services do they provide on behalf of the Council?

11. When does the contract end?

12. What is the name, email & phone number of the person/team managing the contract?

13. How much does each service cost?

14. What is the annual cost or upper limit to the Council?

Payroll Services
15. Does the Council offer payroll services for DP employers and employees?

16. What is the name, email & contact number of the lead person/team?

17. How many staff manage payroll?

18. What is the annual cost to the Council for payroll staff?
Cost Band (Select): £50k–£60k / £60k–£70k / £70k–£80k / £80k–£90k / Other

Outsourced Deputyship Services
19. Does the Council use a third party to manage Deputyship clients? If so, who?

20. Does the Council use its own prepaid card provider to supply cards via outsourced partners?