Text size: a | a | a

Management of peoples' money

We asked individuals and staff about the management of people's finances. We wanted to know if people needed help with this, and if so what help was given. The answers we got showed that many people did not know if there were arrangements in place for the management of their money and benefits. Some people objected strongly to their money being restricted, others indicated that they could spend their money as they wished.

Unfortunately, the questions we asked and the answers we got do not allow us to state exactly how many people had their funds managed by the hospital, how many were subject to DWP appointeeship, or had financial guardianship in place. Staff reported that 46 people were unable to manage their own money. Only 7 individuals, however, felt they could not manage their own money. Most people felt that they could spend their money as they wished, this includes many people whom the staff indicated needed help with budgeting.

"I only get £3 per day to spend. I am not allowed to carry my own money and I don't know how much I've got"

Many wards had procedures in place to assist in the proper management of peoples funds when it was required. Ten wards did not have procedures in place, some because there was no one on the ward who could not manage their own money.

For one person, their status as a prisoner meant that they had access to very little money for personal use.

"For those whose funds are managed by the hospital, there are 6 and 12 monthly meetings with the cashier, support services, advocacy worker, next of kin or named person and the multidisciplinary team to work out a financial plan".

"such restricted environment and most have very limited funds so need doesn't arise but system is in place"

"Staff member not sure of formal roles of Part 4 AWI management.Not sure how it works.Only 1 patient with a DWP appointee"

The Code of Practice for Part 4 of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, which covers the management of individuals' funds, provides useful guidance for staff.The principles of benefit and minimum intervention which are set out in the 2000 Act should be applied by staff to the management of individual funds. We would also expect individuals to be informed and aware of how their funds are being managed.