If care charges remain unpaid

Our approach

We aim to deal with unpaid care charges fairly and respectfully. We will normally try to contact you, understand the reason for non-payment and agree a way forward.

If we cannot resolve the matter

If charges remain unpaid and we cannot agree a solution, we may take formal steps to recover the money owed. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• a formal written request for payment
• referral to the Council’s legal services
• court proceedings
• a County Court Judgment, sometimes called a CCJ
• further legal action to recover the unpaid amount

Last resort

Legal action is generally a last resort after reasonable efforts have been made to contact you and agree a way forward.

Any decisions about care services will be considered separately and carefully, taking account of assessed needs, well-being, safeguarding and the Council’s legal duties.