The Policy has been refreshed in light of the Care Act 2014 and the Care and Support statutory guidance being updated and provides advice and practical guidance on the operation of Deferred Payment Agreements to business support staff. The policy also explains fees and charges, including an administration / joining fee together with the introduction of an annual fee for all service users who meet the criteria and wish to utilise the Deferred Payment Agreement (DPS).

People who go into permanent residential or nursing care may need to sell their property to pay the care home fees. Where there is a delay in selling the property or they do not want to sell the property immediately, payment can be deferred. If the local authority pays the care home fees it will recover the payment from the proceeds of sale once the property is sold. This is known as a deferred payment agreement (DPS).