Respite agreed but not being paid

[Beetham]

So frustrated, DD was awarded 15 hours per week respite (direct payment PA) from panel in March, SW didn't complete the forms needed so didn't actually start until June. It's a managed account so I source the PA, do DBSs and timesheets, then submit timesheets to a company the LA uses and they pay the staff member and do the tax, pension, holiday pay calculations etc.

However the PA has never been paid, company say the LA haven't paid them, SW (who is useless) mostly says she has done the finance forms and doesn't know what the hold up is, but sometimes says she will do them this week/chase the finance team etc.

PA is obviously losing her patience, she hasn't been paid since starting in June and is owed £4000 ish. I do not know what I'd do if I lost her. Also I'm now getting letters from HMRC saying I owe money on her PAYE income tax and they are charging daily interest on the account.

One of my parents is on end of life care, unsure if they will make it to Christmas, I don't have the energy to deal with this but I need to before I loose the PA. What should I try to get this resolved?!

Email the Director of Children’s Services. If that doesn’t work contact Cerebra’s legal rights service.

If the LA is using a payroll company try to speak to HMRC and the pay roll company as well about the letters.

Sorry to hear that. You should contact the LA direct payments team. Their Number should be on Google. Have you had anything from the LA confirming payments /agreement to fund, in writing?

Thanks @BlueBrick and @lala66

I've emailed (you can only contact them this way) the payroll company on Sunday, they are usually really quick to reapond but haven't replied yet. I have emailed my DD's SW as well as her team manager but no response either from the email 2 weeks ago or from Sunday. I cant find the direct payments contact for children, only adults.

I have a letter following panel confirming they approved 15 hours per week, I also have it in lots of emails and her TAC minutes.

If I've not heard from them by the end of this week I will escalate it to a formal complaint.

Email the Director of Children’s Services.