What does this guidance relate to?
An increase in Self-Directed Support (SDS) Option 1 Budgets will take place which will allow for a pay uplift for the Personal Assistant workforce.
There will also be an uplift to Independent Living Fund Scotland (ILF Scotland) budgets from April to allow for a pay uplift for Personal Assistants.
Why is the Scottish Government providing this funding?
This funding will ensure the minimum hourly rate for workers providing direct adult social care, including Personal Assistants, will rise from at least £10.50 to at least £10.90 per hour.
Where PAs are already paid more than £10.90 per hour, this funding should be used to increase pay above these levels. All funding should be spent on uplifting pay.
Local Authorities and ILF Scotland will write to PA employers to advise them of these changes and to inform them of the purpose of this uplift.
Who does it apply to?
This uplift is for directly paid Personal Assistants (PAs) providing assistance for adults who are individuals with assessed needs.
The Personal Assistant workforce receives their payment for the vital support they provide to enable the adult to live independently. A PA is eligible for this uplift if they are directly paid by the social care support recipient or the person who is acting for a social care support recipient, who receives funds to pay PAs from Independent Living Fund Scotland or from a Local Authority or Health and Social Care Partnership through Option 1 Social Care (Self Directed Support) Act 2013.
When will the uplift be applied from?
The extra funding will take effect from April 2023. It might take a short time to filter through to everyone but the £10.90 rate should apply for hours worked from 1st April 2023
What should a PA employer do if they haven’t received this uplift?
PA employers should contact their Local Authority or ILF Scotland.
