We are 'appointee' to a large proportion of the people who use our services. This means we are responsible for everything to do with their benefits. We will always open a separate personal bank account and use their financial entitlements to pay their housing and other living expenses. In these circumstances we keep a budget and detailed records of all financial transactions.

The decision to make an 'appointee' is never taken lightly. If we are the 'appointee' our approach is to involve those who use our services in decisions about how their money is spent. Where possible, we aim to build up their self-belief in dealing with money, with a view to relinquishing our appointment to them at some future date if they and others involved in their care feel they are able to manage their own affairs.

If we are not the 'appointee' we are happy to help with the management of finances if asked to do so by the service user or by family members. We will always respect the privacy of the service user in respect of finances.