Issue

Direct Payment Support Service

2 stories · 2 councils

Bexley is reviewing increased direct payment uptake, while Bromley addressed service continuity after a provider's insolvency.

Bexley Council is reviewing the uptake of its Direct Payment Support Service, which assists individuals in managing direct payments for adult social care. In June 2026, Ms. Deborah Travers, Associate Director for Adult Social Care, reported to an Adult Social Care & Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee that uptake had risen to 23.3% in 2024/25, exceeding the peer group average.

Bromley Council addressed service continuity in January 2026 by awarding an urgent interim contract for its Direct Payment Support Service to The Disability Syndicate. This decision, made by the Director of Social Services, followed the insolvency of the previous provider, Vibrance Ltd, ensuring no residents were impacted.

No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss the Direct Payment Support Service. This commissioned service assists individuals in managing direct payments for adult social care, enabling them to arrange and pay for their own care and support services.

Key facts

  1. Bexley's direct payment uptake rose to 23.3% in 2024/25, exceeding the peer group average. Source
  2. In June 2026, Ms. Deborah Travers presented an update on direct payment progress to a Bexley committee. Source
  3. Bromley Council awarded an urgent interim contract to The Disability Syndicate in January 2026. Source
  4. The Bromley contract for Direct Payment Support Service is valued at £563,907 over 24 months. Source
  5. Bromley's previous provider, Vibrance Ltd, became insolvent, prompting the urgent contract award. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Bexley Sees Significant Rise in Direct Payment Uptake for Adult Social Care Bexley has seen a significant increase in the uptake of direct payments for adult social care services, with figures rising to 23.3% in 2024/25. This figure now exceeds the peer... Bexley 26 June 2026
  2. Urgent contract awarded for direct payment support Bromley Council has awarded an urgent interim contract for its Direct Payment Support Service to The Disability Syndicate, following the insolvency of the previous provider,... Bromley 23 January 2026