Buying Freedom

People create better lives when they choose and manage their own support using Direct Payments.

Direct Payments are a key element of the Government's vision for modern social care services that offer choice, control and independent to the people that use them. The strength of Direct Payments is in their simplicity. Payments are made to eligible service users and carers as an alternative to 'traditional' social care services provided by the local authority. They give people flexibility to look beyond 'off the peg' services to choose and manage their own support.

Through the voices of services users and carers, Buying Freedom tells of the creative ways people use Direct Payments to support them to live the lives they choose. Buying Freedom shows how Direct Payments have transformed the way that services are provided to enable people to continue with family life and play an active role in their communities.

Watch the Buying Freedom stories online

Further details about Direct Payments can also be found on the Direct Payments web pages.