IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Direct Payment Standard Hourly Rates 23/24

Shropshire Council

Shirehall

Abbey Foregate

Shrewsbury

Shropshire  SY2 6ND

Date: 31/03/2023

Your Ref: CR/DP 09

Dear Sir/ Madam,

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  Direct Payment Standard Hourly Rates 23/24

Personal Assistant Rate (Employed)

I am writing to let you know that the Day and Night Rate funding you receive to pay your Personal Assistant(s) has increased from £11.94 to £13.75 per hour (that includes provision for Pension and Holidays).  If you use a payroll service, you will need to notify your payroll provider that your PA(s) are to receive £11.75 (before deductions e.g. Tax and NI.) instead of £10.20, beginning the first pay reference period in April 2023. 

It is important that you do this to ensure that your PA(s) is/are paid the correct rate and that as an Employer you meet your legal requirements in regard to pay and the National Minimum Wage.

This increased funding figure will be backdated to the 1st April 2023.

Personal Assistant (Self-Employed)

If your PA(s) are self-employed, the new standard rate beginning 1 April 2023 for Day and Night will be £16, as they are required to meet their own Tax requirements and have appropriate insurance. 

If the above rates for either employed or self-employed Personal Assistants do not apply to your individual circumstance, someone from the Direct Payment Team will communicate with you within the next month.

Care Providers

If you contract with a Care Provider, the Provider will have already received communication regarding the Standard Rate.  If they are not aware, please ask them to email Direct.Payments@shropshire.gov.uk

If you are unsure about any part of this letter, please email Direct.Payments@shropshire.gov.uk or alternatively call the First Point of Contact team: 0345 6789 044

Yours sincerely,                          

Chris Roberts

Direct Payment Business Lead

Adult Services