Victoria Butler-Cole KC, Nicola Greaney KC and Arianna Kelly discuss the recent decision in Re Various Applications in respect of ‘Direct Payments’ [2026] EWCOP 42 (T2), a matter considering seven applications for authority to manage direct payments for people lacking capacity. This judgment followed on from Lumb v. NHS Humber & North Yorkshire ICB [2024] EWCOP 57 (T2), in which Senior Judge Hilder found that it was outside of the general authority of property and affairs deputies to manage direct payments for people entitled to public funding through NHS Continuing Healthcare.