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NEWS 

Recent change to standard PA rates, new rates as from 01/04/2026

Employed PA now receive £12.71/hour

Self-employed PA £16.98/hour

Copy of letter sent out from Shropshire Council DP Lead 31/03 to all current DP users

‘Personal Assistant Rate (Employed)

I am writing to let you know that the funding you receive to pay your Personal Assistant(s) has increased from £14.30 to £14.89 per hour (that includes provision for Pension and Holidays).  If you use a payroll service, you will need to notify your payroll provider that your PA(s) are to receive £12.71 (before deductions e.g. Tax and NI.) instead of £12.21, beginning the first pay reference period in April 2026.

It is important that you do this to ensure that your PA(s) is/are paid the correct rate and that as an Employer you meet your legal requirements regarding paying the National Minimum Wage.

Personal Assistant (Self-Employed)

If your PA(s) are self-employed, the new standard rate beginning 1 April 2026 (Day time only and there is no uplift for Night Time) will be up to £16.98, as they are required to meet their own tax requirements, have appropriate insurance and do not have paid holiday.  This increased funding figure will be backdated to the 1st April 2026.

If the above rates for either employed or self-employed Personal Assistants do not apply to your individual circumstance, for example if your PA(s) already receive above the 2026/27 Standard Rate, or if you are unsure about any part of this letter, please email [email protected]

Care Providers

If you contract with a Care Provider, the Provider should have received communication regarding the 2% Standard Rate increase up to £26.70.  If they are not aware, please ask them to email   [email protected].  It is important that you do not agree an increase over the Standard Rate without first contacting Shropshire Council for authorisation, as you would be liable for the extra costs.

Contribution

If you have been financially assessed to pay a contribution, please ensure that you know what the figure is from April 2026, as it may have changed and you will need to amend your standing order / payment into the Direct Payment account.  If you are unsure what your contribution is, please email [email protected]

 

TRAINING
trainingSkills for Care offer funding to pay towards PAs training costs and cover while doing the training. Now available both for employed and self-employed PAs as long as you evidence your self-employed status.

This is the link for employers to apply for the funding on behalf of personal assistants for their training. If any support is needed with the application contact [email protected]

 

Other online training

Kcil (Kingston Centre for Independent Living) have links to a lot of relevant training for PAs.

Please see below link for upcoming online training Online Courses – Kcil

See our Shropshire Direct Payment website for more information on training.
peer suppotyDrop Ins

The Direct payment team currently offer quarterly virtual drops in for Council staff and direct payment users. If you want to join please get in touch at [email protected]

We are aware that PAs may also appreciate the opportunity to meet with other PAs and the direct payment team  to share good practice, any current employment info etc.

If this is something that you may want to be part of or help develop for PAs in Shropshire get in touch at [email protected] so we know whether there is a demand.

For more news please see Newsroom | Shropshire Council

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