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<p>Personal budgets (particularly direct payments) are designed to be used flexibly
and innovatively and so there should be no unreasonable restriction placed on the
use of the payment, as long as it is being used to meet eligible care and support
needs in line with the care and support plan agreed between those requiring care and
their local team which includes healthcare professionals. The local authority then
has a duty to ensure that their care meets the needs of the eligible person, and to
continue to oversee that care to ensure it addresses the identified needs.</p><p>The
Department does not make specific recommendations on what should be included in care
and support plans, nor do we require local authorities to identify the role of companion
animals. Instead, there are exclusions listed within the regulations. Taking this
into account, it is the responsibility of clinicians and local teams, in co-operation
with patients, their families and carers, to determine what will be included in the
care and support plan.</p>
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