The SDS rate for DP employers is totally inadequate. It needs to stop being linked to the living wage as a disincentive for finding carers as they can work in a supermarket for the same rate and no hassle/ stress. Also leaves no leeway for unsocial and weekend enhanced payments. It needs to be linked to agency rates as we have same administration tasks and overheads for working from home. Also in rural areas need to allow inclusion of travel . In developing Scottish system, need to have a more realistic and flexible payment system for SDS that reflects a difficult employment market. Where I live there as some areas where can’t find carers and so inadequate care cover and using agencies too limiting as can’t meet assessed hours requirement and time slots suitable to individual. Thats why DP works so well when can apply it but becoming a real challenge to do so. Need to overhaul how deliver this kind of care.
This content is created by the open source Your Priorities citizen engagement platform designed by the non profit Citizens Foundation