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Direct Payment Rate Updates for 2026–27
Shropshire Council has confirmed updated Direct Payment rates from 1 April 2026 to reflect changes for the 2026–27 financial year.
Personal Assistants (Employed)
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The funded hourly rate has increased from £14.30 to £14.89 (including pension and holiday pay).
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Payroll providers should be notified so that PAs are paid £12.71 per hour before deductions, from the first April 2026 pay period.
Personal Assistants (Self‑Employed)
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The new standard daytime rate is up to £16.98 per hour.
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This rate recognises that self‑employed PAs cover their own tax, insurance and do not receive paid holiday.
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The increase will be backdated to 1 April 2026.
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Night rates remain frozen at the 2025-26 level £16.65.
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Care Providers have been informed of a 2% standard rate increase, bringing the rate up to £26.70.
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Individuals should not agree fees above the standard rate without prior approval from the council.
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If you pay a financial contribution, please check your updated amount from April 2026 and amend your standing order if needed.
If you are unsure how these changes apply to your circumstances, or if your current arrangements are already above standard rates, you are encouraged to contact the relevant council teams for advice.
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Moving Social Work Evaluation
Lucy Smith, the independent evaluator for the Get Yourself Active project (which includes the Moving Social Work training), is seeking to hear directly from disabled people and/or carers about their experiences of physical activity and wellbeing.
Moving Social Work is a training programme delivered by Durham University and supported by Disability Rights UK. It helps social workers and social care staff in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin feel more confident having conversations about movement and physical activity,
Disabled people and/or carers who take part will be invited to a short (30‑minute) interview, either online (for example via Teams) or by phone. Participants will receive a £50 thank‑you payment. All information shared will be anonymous.
The findings will be used to understand what works well (and what could be improved) so the programme can continue to develop.
People who may be interested in taking part can:
Reasonable adjustments and support can be provided to help people take part in the interview.
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Introducing 'Personal Assistant Employment Status: A guide to support good practice' - TLAP
ILG have produced a jointly developed resource created with partners across the sector, including the National Direct Payments Forum, Think Local Act Personal and Community Catalysts. It is designed to improve understanding of employment status in Personal Assistant (PA) arrangements. The guide draws on current legislation, relevant case law and multi‑agency discussions to explain how employment status principles apply in practice. Its aim is to reduce confusion, support lawful and informed decision‑making, and promote good practice, while recognising the need for flexible, personalised support within direct payment arrangements.
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New wellbeing support for adults in Shropshire
The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network (SWANN) is a new preventative service for adults aged 18+ living in Shropshire. Commissioned by Shropshire Council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), SWANN helps people stay well, remain independent and feel connected in their communities.
The service brings together support for hospital discharge, community‑led mental health outreach, and wellbeing and independence, delivered by British Red Cross, Shropshire Mental Health Support, Community Resource and Live Well Shropshire. Referrals can be made by the health and social care workforce and are coordinated through a single central point.
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For all our latest updates go to our news webpage, and for general information on direct payments go to our homepage.
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