Most housing support services in Highland are funded through the Contracts Team which are part of Social Work Services at Highland Council. Highland Council has a contract with your housing support provider for the provision of housing support services. You will be fully informed if you are expected to pay any charges or if you are eligible for Self Directed Support (see below for further explanation). The Contracts Team will collect any charges you are due to pay from you directly. This helps to make sure that the Council meets the full costs. You continue to pay rent and any housing management charges to your landlord.
A financial assessment will be offered to each service user to determine their ability to pay. This will be based on the Highland Council’s Social Work Services Charging Policy. A leaflet explaining this policy is available to you on request. If you have a low income or are on benefit it is unlikely that you will be charged.
A charge is made when someone is receiving “long term” services. These are services such as sheltered housing support where you would intend to receive the service long term.
There is no charge for “short-term” services. These are services that are expected to last no more than 2 years. These are generally services where your needs diminish over time, for example a young person moving into a new tenancy who only needs some support for a shorter period of time but can then manage on their own.
Self Directed Support: Highland Direct Payments Scheme
Highland Direct Payments Scheme is a form of Self Directed Support. The scheme enables you to receive direct payment for the services (housing support, care etc.) that you are due, and you can then spend the funding on the provider of your choice.
When you are assessed for care or support services, you should be given information about Self Directed Support if this is appropriate for you. Alternatively you can ask about this scheme if you are receiving care or support services.
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