Implementing a pre-paid card for people using Direct Payments

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What we did

Islington Council has introduced a pre-paid card for people using Direct Payments in order to replace the need for Direct Payment users to have a bank account. The card has been introduced in partnership with a private company. The changes were planned by a project group which had representation from operational staff, Direct Payments staff, finance and commissioning. Communication tools were developed so staff could offer the card and Direct Payment users received core information about the scheme. The scheme went live in December 2012 with the card being offered to all new Direct Payments users and existing users at review.

Why we did it

The intention was to speed up the set up process for Direct Payments and to allow lighter touch financial monitoring, as finance staff do not need to request statements from users as they can view transactions on line. Other benefits were to assist the council with increasing the take up of Direct Payments, by reducing the administrative burden on the council and Direct Payments users, and supporting the safeguarding of the recipient's funds.

Outcome

An initial review of the changes has been undertaken with a further detailed review planned. Card holders have fed back their experiences, via telephone interviews, to inform what is working well and what needs to be improved. The card has removed the need for users to open a separate bank account, which has been a barrier for some people. New Direct Payment users have been accepting of the card, whilst some existing Direct Payments users have been reluctant to start using the card and further work is being undertaken around this. Further work is also been undertaken to speed up the card set up and the overall Direct Payments set up process and clarify the expected timescales of the DP user journey from needs assessment to Direct Payments service start date.

Contact details

Mary Keats, Care Practice and Policy Advisor, Islington Council, mary.keats@islington.gov.uk