Commentary on Sections Section 4 – Options for self-directed support
13.Section 4(1) provides the four options for self-directed support, which will be available to individuals when they are assessed as needing care and support or support as an adult carer. The options are:
14.Section 4(2) defines a “direct payment” as a payment of a relevant amount to the supported person for the purpose of enabling the person to arrange for the provision of support by any person (including the authority). It explains the meaning of the term “relevant amount” (which is used in the definitions of all four of the self-directed support options) as the amount that the local authority considers a reasonable estimate of the cost of securing the provision of support for the supported person. It also provides that references to “supported person” and “support” must be read in accordance with sections 5, 7 and 8.