Personal budget

Also called SEN personal budget, Direct payments

Money identified in an EHCP that a family can have some control over. Available on request, with limits.

What it is

A personal budget is an amount identified by the council to deliver provision in an EHCP, where the parent or young person is involved in deciding how it is used.

It can be held by the council, paid to a provider, taken as a direct payment, or a combination.

Where it applies

Anyone with an EHCP, or in the process of having one issued, may request one. The council must consider the request.

How it works

Direct payments for special educational provision have conditions attached, and a council can refuse where it would have an adverse impact on other services or would not be an efficient use of resources — but it must give reasons.

Health elements can come through a personal health budget, and social care through a direct payment; the three are governed by different rules even inside one plan.

What you can ask for

Ask what the indicative amount is for each element. A council must be able to say how it arrived at a figure.

Ask for the reasons in writing if refused. There is no direct right of appeal to the Tribunal about a personal budget, so the routes are complaint and the Ombudsman — which makes written reasons the thing you need.

Where to get help

Your council's Local Offer sets out its personal budget policy. Contact and IPSEA both advise on them.