Care home frustration at £100k delay in payments

A care home owner says it is "frustrating" she is owed thousands of pounds by a council and has to regularly chase it for payment.

Elizabeth Stephens, owner of Bernadette House in Lincoln, said she had a backlog of up to £100,000 in payments from Lincolnshire County Council for residents' care.

Councillor Steve Clegg, the council's executive member for adult care and health, said it was investigating and was liaising with the care home to resolve it as quickly as possible.

Ms Stephens said the delay in payments meant renovations at the home had been put on hold as it cut back on spending.

Ms Stephens said: "I've owned Bernadette House for 10 years now and it's always been an issue at various times.

"But, at the moment, we seem to have the biggest backlog ever in terms of outstanding payments."

Local authorities contribute to the costs of looking after residents in care homes.

However, Ms Stephens said there were outstanding payments from the council to the care home of between £80,000 and £100,000 dating back almost a year.

She said the payment process "seems to be breaking down in a number of places" and added she found it "frustrating" dealing with the council's finance team.

Clegg added: "We have clear standards and processes for ensuring prompt payment of care.

"However, due to the high volume of commissioned care, there can be a risk of delays.

"This is something our social work managers are constantly monitoring, in order to solve any issues promptly."

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