Microenterprises and Agencies purchased through Direct Payments

Direct Payments can be used to purchase care from an agency/micro enterprise. This might be better for people who feel unsure about hiring someone directly or want to avoid the responsibility of managing their own staff. Those individuals who want to employ PA’s may wish to use an agency/micro enterprise as contingency.

Vale of Glamorgan Council follows the Direct Payments principles. So, they can't recommend specific agencies. This choice is up to the individuals.

You can get good advice on what to expect from any agency or micro enterprise. It’s helpful to know what questions to ask. You may also receive tips on finding care agencies in your area. Check your local directory - It can help you find care options that suit your needs better

Individuals must manage their care and support services. They should also ensure that their contract details are reasonable and fit their needs.

The worker will tell the individual about the hourly rates Vale of Glamorgan Council covers for care from an agency or micro enterprise.

Should the individual wish to employ an agency/micro enterprise with a higher hourly rate it must be made clear to them that they must pay the difference from their own personal funds. When making this decision, the person should think about the long-term effects of the financial commitment. They also need to consider if they can afford future annual increases.

When someone agrees to receive Direct Payments, they must secure support and assistance. This support needs to meet the standards that both they and the Vale of Glamorgan Council find acceptable. Staff must be DBS checked, and any agency used should be accredited or registered with CIW. In the case of a micro enterprise, they would need to be included in the Micro enterprise directory.

The directory to access Micro Enterprises is below:

Community Catalysts Micro Enterprises Directory