Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council customers who receive direct payments for their social care needs will find it even easier to buy services in the future.
From 1 October, customers will be able to use a ‘debit card’ to pay for their services for the first time. The card will increase flexibility for users and make it easier for the council to audit the payments – a legal requirement.
Customers will receive their own confidential PIN number for the card, will be able to add their own money into the account, make transfers to other bank accounts online, set up direct debits and make payments over the phone.
Councillor Tracey Simpson Laing, Cabinet member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services, City of York Council, said: “Direct Payments enable people to take control of their own care and the introduction of the new ‘debit’ card will provide them with increased flexibility. I hope it will prove as popular in York as it has done in other parts of the country.”
Kathy Clark, Assistant Director for Assessment and Safeguarding, City of York Council, said: “Evidence from other areas where the cards were introduced show that they have been very popular with customers and have encouraged even more people to take control of their own care through direct payments.
“However, we know that any change can be unsettling for people, so we will ensure that customers have lots of advice and support to help guide them through the transition.”
Anyone who gets care from social services can apply for direct payments. The payments allow customers to buy the services they need themselves, instead of having to use the ones that the council provides.
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