Day services
Day services are there to support you to live the life you want, by offering structured opportunities for social interaction, activities, skills, and support outside your home. However, they can be described as commissioned or non-commissioned day services.
Commissioned day services
A commissioned day service is a service provided via the local authority. Instead of running the service directly, the council contracts an external provider (often a charity, private company, or community organisation) to deliver the service. The choice of provider is limited to those the local authority contracts with. You cannot use a direct payment to pay for a commissioned day service.
Non-commissioned day service
These are services not directly arranged or contracted by the local authority. Examples include:
- Community-based day centres.
- Social clubs or activity groups.
- Specialist support services (e.g. autism or dementia-focused).
- Faith-based or culturally specific programs.
Using direct payments for non-commissioned day services
You (your nominated person or authorised person) can use your direct payment to access day services not commissioned by the council if the service meets your assessed needs, even if it costs more than the council's fixed rate. You may need to top-up the difference yourself.
Council's fixed rate vs actual cost
Councils set a fixed hourly or daily rate for day services based on their standard commissioned providers. If your chosen service charges more than this rate, you can still use it, but:
- You will need to cover the difference between the local authority rates, and the rate you have agreed to pay (also known as a top-up).
- The service must be appropriate for your assessed care needs.
For example: If Kirklees Council's rate is £50 per day and your preferred service will cost £70 per day, you would be responsible for ensuring the additional £20 per day top-up is placed into your direct payment account.
Conditions you must meet
Services must meet your needs
- It must align with your care and support plan.
- The council must agree that it helps you achieve your outcomes and appropriate to meet your care and support needs as identified in your Care Act assessment.
Provider suitability
- The provider should have public liability insurance.
- Staff should be DBS-checked if working with vulnerable individuals.
- The service should be accessible to you.
Policy and guidance
We've updated our direct payments policy and guidance - this will be introduced as user agreements are updated from Summer 2026.