Specified local authorities may now pilot making direct payments for special educational provision for children with statements of special educational needs.
Summary
The pilot scheme allows direct payments to be made to the parent of a beneficiary who has not attained the age of 16 and a beneficiary who has attained the age of 16 and who has capacity to consent to the making of direct payments to them. So a young person aged 16 will be able to manage their own direct payments. Payments may also be made to a nominee or a representative to enable parents or young people (aged over 16) who may not otherwise be able to or wish to do so to have the opportunity of direct payments.
Local authorities must arrange information, advice and other support for families in connection with direct payments. Before making any payments the local authority must ensure that recipients have a clear
