Hi,
Just wanted a chin up to those fighting the councils to get a direct payment budget for those who deserve it. Its been 875 days of waiting since I first requested an assessment for my mother to finally get a direct payment finance approved. They stated you need a unique own bank account in a sole name only and to keep receipts.
I went through an advocacy service and a council run agency who administer direct payments paperwork and I think doing it through them rather than yourself helped and the council take you more seriously than fobbing you off.
Keep fighting and you will get it. I was ready to go to court over it. Now only my brothers asessment to do.