Local Authorities
We are very keen to supply our services to Local Authorities and Direct Payment Support Services, primarily throughout Scotland, and eventually to all of the UK.
We currently work mainly with Fife Council but also City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Renfrewshire, Stirling, and to a lesser extent Dundee City, Perth, East Lothian and Ayrshire. Our services are proven to benefit both the service user AND council departments.Our Role
We understand that the provision of a Direct Payment as a method of Self Directed Support is to help people have a choice as to how they receive care and from whom, whether that be via an agency or employing their own staff. There are many people who may be able to cope with managing these services, but there are aspects of payroll which can be very daunting to someone who has not had experience of this before, including the prospect of dealing with HM Revenue & Customs. These factors shouldn't dissuade someone from choosing a less appropriate method of care simply because they aren't confident calculating payroll.
Additionally, we offer users a full payment service. Whilst this could be considered to some extent contra to the ethos of a Direct Payment and self management, in many cases it contributes to a more consistent service for either staff or care agencies, as well as council support staff. Many care agencies rely on regular payments to continue providing their services, and some may charge for late payment. More directly, staff who are not paid on time may be more reluctant to continue with an employer. Also, as we offer a BACS payment service, staff and agencies can receive payment much quicker than by cheque.
Benefits
Our third party service is most beneficial for councils for two main reasons. The first is financial monitoring. Based on feedback we have received, the fact that we keep comprehensive records of all payments received and made means we have a current balance of funds available immediately. We are also able to supply records of invoices paid and any P11 payroll records - by post or by email on PDF - to ensure the funding has been used correctly and is also sufficent to cover the care costs invoiced. We make all payments by BACS where possible, or by cheque. There can be no 'cash withdrawals'.
Which brings us to the second benefit of our payment service; misuse of funding. Unfortunately people who are entrusted to manage funding do not always use those funds correctly. Service users, or family members responsible for large sums of money can be tempted to use or 'borrow' from the funds to aid their own personal financial situation. Whilst retraction of Direct Payment is an option, using Quill Accounts as a third party manager removes the opportunity to misappropriate funding, whilst still enabling the user to keep the most appropriate care service for them.
Whilst we offer a range of working methods, our service is very much bespoke, and can be adjusted to suit the requirements of any provider, whether on a small or larger scale. We would be keen to discuss our services with any support service or individual and would be happy to meet to see how we can help.
