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CSA payments for alleged daughter - what can we do?

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Comments

  • Soubrette
    Soubrette Posts: 4,118 Forumite
    Marli wrote: »
    I know i should Mark, but I really don't know that we could face any sort of battle with them. My husband certainly isn't up to anything like that and they won't speak to me despite him given me written permission (which they've received in writing 4 times by recorded delivery).

    According to them they have no coffers to pay out any sort of compensation so we'd be asking the tax payer to pay us. That sits quite uncomfortably with me, although admittedly i haven't looked into the ins and outs.

    Marli

    If you do not seek compensation, then what 'encouragement' is there for them to change their systems so that your situation doesn't happen to someone else?

    Take their emotional blackmail with a pinch of salt, each tax payer would be paying a tiny amount towards any claim that you made and I'm sure more is wasted every year by the Government (wish they felt so protective towards tax payers money when it comes to MPs claiming expenses :rolleyes:)

    The issue is whether you want to pursue a claim and if you feel the amount of effort is worth it.

    Sou
  • Poppy9
    Poppy9 Posts: 18,833 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Marli wrote: »
    I know i should Mark, but I really don't know that we could face any sort of battle with them. My husband certainly isn't up to anything like that and they won't speak to me despite him given me written permission (which they've received in writing 4 times by recorded delivery).

    According to them they have no coffers to pay out any sort of compensation so we'd be asking the tax payer to pay us. That sits quite uncomfortably with me, although admittedly i haven't looked into the ins and outs.

    Marli

    You could employ a solicitor to do it for you. You just give them the information and let them get on with it. Yes you will have to pay some of the compensation to them in fees but it will be justice for you and less stressful.

    Alternatively do it yourself but only in writing but put your OH name on letters etc. and get him to sign. They won't know you wrote them.
    :) ~Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone.~:)
  • Marli
    Marli Posts: 18 Forumite
    Sorry for not coming back to this sooner, but having read a similar thread today it reminded me I'd forgotten to update you all.


    Our solicitor did indeed believe we should be compensated for everything we went through and launched a case on our behalf. It took months of to-ing and fro-ing with a derisory, verging on insulting, offer coming first before they realised that we were in it for the long haul.

    We eventually accepted an offer in late November last year which compensated us for everything they'd been through and offered a full and thorough apology. We were also promised a second investigation into the case as we were deeply unhappy with the first (which basically glossed over everything).

    The mother of the little girl still keeps in occasional contact with us updating us on her case. She too went down the road of a formal complaint and compensation and her case was concluded just recently which we're pleased about. They also managed to find the correct father who is paying is dues.

    All in all it has been a very expensive "oops" (which is how it was described in our first apology!) for them. We were promised it was very difficult for this to happen, but I'm not too sure that lessons will actually be learned. I think there were still a few people involved in our case who seemed to not realise or care the impact that their job has on people's lives.

    My husband is doing very well now despite a second heart attack. We have had to change our lives drastically (including moving house as we lived in a higgledy-piggledy house with lots of stairs), but he is still here which is the main thing. There were many occasions that I didn't think that would be so. We had a lovely Christmas with our family and friends.

    I wish to thank everyone who helped us when we needed it. We were very lucky to have found some knowledgeable people here, at NACSA, our MP's office and various other places.

    Marli
  • jen_br
    jen_br Posts: 2,653 Forumite
    Um , this actually happend to my DH I got the phone call one day demanding payment for 3 children and they were CONFIDENT that it was my Dh,

    After 4 hours on the phone and many managers I confirmed his NI number and found out there were to Mr. X X and that they were very sorry!

    just maked sure they have his correct NI number, and the Correct man!

    Keep us posted its a sad thing really,

    Get EVERYTHING you can, take copies many copies send off the csa RECORDED delivery!

    its worth it to pay the extra few bob to ensure they get it!

    Also keep on your MP this is ridiculus, i hope your DH is ok and not going to have a breakdown and cause him to loose income!-- i hope csa apologize afterwards.
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