Retrospective care home fee increase

silentotter

My elderly uncle has lived in a care home for the past 3 years and is self funding. I received an email from the care home saying the fees would be going up from 1st of June, fair enough I changed the standing order. I have now received an email from the care home saying they haven’t received the increase amount for April and May. As the fees didn’t go up till June they should have received the correct amount.

can the home get away with this and are they just chancing there arm trying to get residents to pay for the increase in minimum wage since April 1st? Any advice on what to do with this situation would be much appreciated.

DE_612183

you'd need to check the contract - but I'd be looking for a clause that says "any increases in fees will be notified at least one calendar month in advance".

However - what has probably happened is the end of year ( 2024-25 ) accounts have shown that there is a deficit, and they are trying to increase the fees from April - however someone has typed in the wrong date.

I'd call their bluff and say that they have told you the fees would increase from 1st of June - as an aside what date did the email get sent which quoted 1st of June?

elsien

Have you actually spoken to them about this and pointed out that you were informed that the increase was from June?? 

silentotter

The email informing us of the increase was received on the 30th May. It is being queried with them today 

Grey_Critic

I am sure that there will be a clause saying costs will be reviewed annually and you will be given at least 28 days notice. Standard Practice. Think of your mobile phone. You know they will increase prices in April but they always give you advance notice.