Charges for care.

Crossco15

I would like to ask MSE subscribers what their thoughts are for the situation my Daughter is in.

My Daughter suffers from severe learning difficulties and has, pre Covid19, attended special needs organisations, some charity and Social Services run.
Since lockdown was enforced these organisations have had to close.
We have coped with that situation well and have adjusted and realise that these places are unlikely to open for some considerable time due to the logistical nature of their operation.

On behalf of my daughter I have just received a monthly bill (£136 / 4 weeks) from my local council for my daughters social care. The 4 week charge is for after the centres locked down.  She usually attends an adult care centre for 3 days per week. I had presumed that these charges would have been curtailed due to them being unable to provide the care due to Covid 19.
I have tried to get an answer to why the charge is being made but have not yet got a posative answer.

I would be grateful for any feedback.

jimkelly

Are you sure you're not paying in arrears instead of, as you say, in advance?

You could try contacting your local councillor.

Pollycat

I wouldn't expect to be charged for a service that wasn't provided -if you are 100% sure that you're not paying in arrears.

What do you mean 'have not yet got a posative answer.'?

What exactly have the council said about issuing this charge?

Crossco15

Hello jimkelly/pollycat,
The dates for the charges are 30/03/20 to 26/04/20. I think the care centre closed mid March.

It is quite difficult to get a response from the council (automated telephone system) and I have spoke with a staff member from the centre who is going to check if the charges are correct.

Pollycat

Can't you email the Council and ask why you've been charged for care for a period that they didn't provide care for?

If not, I'd write them a letter telling them that you are querying the charge.

I'd want to get something in writing to the Council so they know you are querying the charge, rather than just not paying.

It may just be an automatically generated invoice.

Crossco15

Pollycat,
Thanks for your advice.
As you may know these type (Council) of websites are not the best to use. Took me some time to find a way of emailing them.  I used the Wirral Council covid helpline!
I have emailed them and await their response.
It should be easy to go onto a council website and email them with your query!!
I think that they employ people to set up their websites to make them look good but make them difficult to make contact with real people. 
Once again thank you for your reply.

Pollycat

You're welcome.

Let us know how you get on.

Crossco15

Well,
I sent an email and expected a reply within 48hrs (emails will be answered within 48hrs) but I have not had a reply. I will post an update in another couple of days.

missile

Complain to your local councillor. If you do not know who that is details will be (or rather should be?)  on your council website.

Pollycat

Crossco15 said:

Well,
I sent an email and expected a reply within 48hrs (emails will be answered within 48hrs) but I have not had a reply. I will post an update in another couple of days.

I wouldn't necessarily expect a reply within 48 hours at this time - regardless of what their website says.

Did you specifically say in your email that you are disputing the charge as it covered a period when the service was not provided?

[Deleted User]

Good point raised by @Pollycat , the mention of not paying for something usually gets swift attention.
This could just be the auto-generated paperwork that gets spewed out.
I know of several places Service Users visit, and i'm now wondering if this scenario has cropped up with them - i'll ask some questions - if i get a useful answer i'll post back here.
(That won't be immedately, sorry).