The partnership will see the development of a portal that will allow people who manage their own social care funding to view payments online, order services and seek information and advice.

It is aimed at people who receive what is known as an individual budget, or self-directed support.
With individual budgets, anyone who needs support to live their life has control over what support they receive and how they receive it.

Traditionally it is the local authority that makes these decisions, meaning the individual often has no choice over how the money is spent.
The new portal will be known as Shop 4 Support. It is currently in development and, following successful consultation and pilots, will be launched later this year.

Wigan Metro is set to be the first local authority to 'go live' with the portal.

Valueworks has a strong track record in developing web-based systems such as these and already works closely with the social housing sector. The portal will be available nationally.