OH`s social worker has suggested I, as OH`s sole carer, apply to our council for Direct Payments as this will give me the freedom to choose the support I feel is best needed. Initially I thought this would be a great idea but now having read more about this on the council`s website I am not so sure. A budget is allocated following a carer`s assessment and one has to stick religiously to agreed help required and provide receipts for all expenditure. I am wondering if any of you kind people have gone down this route and if it proved worthwhile. Knowing how so many councils are financially restricted these days, especially ours, I can only presume that a direct payment budget would be the bare minimum and relatively inflexible. Any advice will be appreciated.