Dad told to repay thousands in care costs after Kingston Council delays

The man, referred to as Mr X, lives with his wife, who receives separate direct payments towards her care.

A live-in carer supported the couple, who used their savings to cover the full costs.

With the couple’s savings dwindling, the council was asked for help. In April last year, the authority decided Mr X needed three daily visits to help him with his own care and medication.

The council set up a weekly direct payment of £189 into an account for Mr X, while it completed an assessment of his financial needs.

His daughter, referred to as Mrs Z, said she began using this towards the costs of the live-in carer.

But in October, the council told Mr X he was not actually eligible for the payment – and sent him an invoice requesting repayment of the £4,860 it had already paid.

Mrs Z immediately stopped using the money and complained to the authority that it had taken more than six months to complete the assessment and notify Mr X.