Auditing of direct payments

Part of: Direct payments

Contents

An audit is a review of how direct payment funds have been spent. Audits help you get the best use out of your direct payment (as part of the personal budget).

We carry out regular audits of direct payment accounts to check:

  • Funding is used in line with your support plan (for example, hours, rates, HMRC payments)
  • Legal obligations are being met
  • Community care charges are being paid into the account
  • Any unspent money is managed correctly
  • You are getting the most from your funding

How audits work

Direct payments must be paid into a dedicated account. The type of account you use will affect what information we need from you.

Audits usually take place every 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on your situation.

If spending is not agreed in your plan, it may be treated as misspent and reclaimed.

How we audit different account types

Self-managed (high street/digital) bank account 

We will ask for bank statements, invoices, receipts, payslips and other documents. You must keep a separate account for your direct payments.

Prepayment card account (PFS)

We will send you a summary sheet of transactions and ask you to provide supporting documents, such as invoices, payslips and receipts. You can also upload documents directly to the card website.

Accountant-administrated account

The accountant provides all documents directly to the Audit Team.

Fully managed account

All documents come from the managed account provider.

Documents you may need to provide

  • Bank statements (self-managed accounts only)
  • Invoices and receipts
  • Personal assistant payslips
  • Insurance certificates
  • HMRC and pension (NEST) payment confirmations
  • Signing-in sheets
  • Proof of payments of community care charges 

Timescales

You normally have 14 days to send documents. If we don’t receive them, we will send reminders every 14 days.

After three reminders, a referral to our social care team will be triggered, and your direct payment may be suspended. This could put your services at risk.

Tell us as soon as possible if you are struggling to gather documents or need more time. We will offer support and reasonable adjustments so you can provide what’s needed.

Outcomes of the audit

At the end of an audit, you will receive:

  • An audit summary sheet showing transactions during the audit period. This sheet checks spending matches your support plan, helps you understand how your direct payment is performing, and supports you to make the best use of your budget.
  • Community care charges summary sheet
  • Covering letter with any actions you need to take and the date of your next audit

If there are surplus funds in your account, we may ask for these to be returned.

Get help from the Audit Team 

If you have a question about the audit process, email directpaymentsaudit@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 2787.