Paragraph 9 Transition - beneficiary attains the age of 16

This paragraph applies where a beneficiary in respect of whom direct payments are already being made attains the age of 16 and is a person falling within paragraph 6(2).

Where the beneficiary agrees in writing, the local authority must continue to make direct payments to the parent or the parent’s nominee or representative, as the case may be.

Where the beneficiary wishes to receive and manage the direct payments themselves, the local authority must follow the process set out in paragraphs 11 and 12 to determine whether it is appropriate for the beneficiary to receive and manage the direct payments and obtain their consent in writing in accordance with paragraph 10.

Where the beneficiary notifies the local authority in writing that they do not consent to the making of direct payments, the authority must stop making the direct payments as soon as reasonably practicable.