Direct payment standard hourly rates 2025/26

We've reviewed the fee increase for 2025/26

For employed personal assistants (PA) the standard rates will increase from 1 April 2025 to £12.21 an hour. The employed PA rate continues to meet the legal national minimum wage increase for 2025.  

For self-employed PAs the new standard rate beginning 1 April 2025 for day time will be up to £16.65 an hour. They are required to meet their own tax requirements, have appropriate insurance, and do not have paid holiday. 

For domiciliary care the rates have been capped at a maximum £26.18 per hour for 2025/26. If you contract with a care agency, they should have already received communication regarding the standard rate. If they are not aware, please ask them to email feequeries@shropshire.gov.uk.

Any PAs or care agencies already receiving a higher hourly rate won't receive an uplift.

If you use your direct payment to purchase day service provision please ask them to email feequeries@shropshire.gov.uk.

Most eligible uplifts will be applied by the end of May 2025. All eligible uplifts will be backdated to 1 April 2025.

If you have concerns about the information above, please contact us on 0345 678 9044 to request a review.