A Direct Payment is money the council can award you, to enable you to set up and control the services you choose to meet your needs. At WDP we have a team who can help you access and manage personal budgets, recruit personal assistants and process payroll services.
Direct payments are funds Warrington Borough Council awards after a care assessment (and a financial assessment, if you are an adult) is undertaken to allow people to arrange their own care and support, instead of the council arranging services for you. This is NOT extra income, but money specifically for agreed care needs.
Warrington Disability Partnership’s Independent Living Team guides you through every step of the Direct Payments setup process, from recruitment to employment checks and completing paperwork. Please get in touch with the Team if you require our help or would like to book an appointment.
Leigh Walmsley – Team Leader/Advisor
Louise James – Direct Payments Advisor
Marta Jugowicz – Administrator/Advisor
Sam Calderbank – Administrator/Advisor
First, the local council looks at what help you need day‑to‑day.
This is called a needs assessment.
You get a personal budget
The council works out how much money is needed for your care and what your financial entitlement will be. This amount is called your personal budget.
The money goes into a separate bank account
The council pays your Direct Payments into a dedicated account so you can manage your care spending.
You spend it on support that meets your care plan
You must spend the money on things agreed in your care plan, such as a PA or activities.
What is a Direct Payments Personal Assistant?
A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone you employ directly using your Direct Payment to help meet the needs identified in your care plan.
How to Recruit a Personal Assistant
We will help you write a Job Description
This ensures you recruit someone who meets your specific support needs and personal preferences, such as:
To Advertise the Role
Adverts are commonly placed on or at:
To Interview Candidates
Choose someone you feel comfortable with who can help you achieve your goals.
We support you with:
Undertake Employment Checks
As the employer, you are responsible for ensuring your PA is safe and suitable. We will assist you with:
To Complete PA Forms
PA’s can complete the following forms. Please see the PA Forms button
Marta Jugowicz – Administrator/Advisor
Sam Calderbank – Administrator/Advisor
If the personal assistant will be working with a child or there will be children present, a DBS check must be done before they can start working. It will not be set up until we have the ok to proceed from Warrington Borough Council, unless a risk assessment has been completed by your social worker or care manager.
Ask your PA to book a DBS Appointment with Sam Calderbank.
If you receive Direct Payments and you use that money to hire your own personal assistant (PA), then you (or a suitable person you nominate) become the Employer.
Employers can complete the following forms. Please see the Employer Forms button
When you employ a PA using Direct Payments, you must manage the following, but our team is here to help should you need our assistance:
The Independent Living Team can connect you with Warrington Disability Partnership’s Payroll Service, if you choose to use us.
Our experienced team will assist you with calculations, timesheets and pensions.
Leigh Walmsley – Team Leader/Advisor
Louise James – Direct Payments Advisor
Call us on: 01925 240064
