Cleaners: what do you pay? Agency or not?

[Wauden]

We have a cleaner who is good, BUT a number of times she has texted to say she is too busy that day and could she come the next week instead? She is not via an agency, she is through a friend.

Last week she cancelled on the very day, so clearly we need a new cleaner.
We pay her £40 cash for three hours once every two weeks, although she leaves before the three hours are up.

I have had a quote from an agency for three hours once a fortnight, insured, bring own materials and I said eco materials only which they use anyway. Agency quotes £51 plus VAT.
We live in an expensive area (used to be affordable).

Is that a reasonable rate?

@Jobsharenightmare

£10 ph to the cleaner X2 hours per week and £22 a month to the agency.

I interested to understand what value the agency gives. Is it cos they will make sure that there is a replacement?

The agency pays for all the products used, PPE, insurance and will arrange another cleaner if my usual lady has to self isolate or go on holiday etc. I wouldn't pay any more than that though because I think it's a lot!

£12ph. London.

Was the cheapest I could find.

£10 an hour, two hours weekly, no agency, uses my cleaning materials.
That's in theory. But she's very flaky. I don't mind though as I really should have stopped having a cleaner once I retired, as I have the time to clean for myself. This way I feel less guilty, and as she doesn't get paid if she flakes on me, I feel like I have extra money to spend!

We pay £18 +vat an hour
They are worth every penny and after years of cheaper, inferior cleaners I will hang on to these ones and gladly pay the excess for a job well done!
We are just outside London

I agree that you get the work that you pay for and also that if you have someone you know and trust to do a good job, hold onto them.