Explanatory Memorandum

Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

2016 CHAPTER 18

9 May 2016

Commentary on Sections

Part 14 – Miscellaneous

Section 282 – Direct payments in place of provision of care services

This section amends section 8 of the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 to enable regulations to be made allowing a suitable person to receive a direct payment on behalf of another person who lacks capacity to consent. Provisions describe the consent required, namely that of the suitable person and an attorney/deputy of the service user, and enable regulations to be made to specify matters that the HSC trust must have regard to, how individuals with fluctuating capacity are to be treated, and to set out conditions that must/may be imposed in relation to the direct payment.