This depends on the amount and type of assistance or support you are assessed as needing.  The amount must be enough to buy what you need.  There is no nationally agreed amount – each local authority makes its own decision on how to calculate this.

If you want to employ your own staff, the amount you receive is based on an hourly rate plus a percentage for running costs and emergencies.  Overheads include tax, national insurance, staff costs, administration etc.  Contingency money is an amount in your bank account that can be used when you need to buy extra temporary support because staff are ill or on holiday.

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