A good and then a bad sort of week

Oh wow!  You need this like a hole in the heid (head).   I'm with you on this.  You can't just be liable for costs without signing something and and agreement in place and written advice on the rate.  Surely any liabilities would fall to the estate, and only then if there was a similar signed agreement in place.  

How awful of the council to use such bizarre tactics - sounds like scaremongering and an inappropriate approach, almost like trying to take advantage of an unfortunate and delicate situation.  You think they might try it once, get the message and change their practice.  I hate councils - they don't appear to play by the same rules as everyone else with an ethos of  "treat everyone else how you would wish to be treated yourself".  

Expect a discounted bill for £10k on compassionate grounds in a couple of months then, when you don't cough-up.  :-o

I have tried to post twice Rainie without success. Third time lucky. Mmum is bang on. If they can't produce your signature agreeing to this bill then I would consider this to be computer generated rubbish. 

Rainie I have no knowledge on this, so not much help I’m afraid, just wanted to say how awful this is! And that I am thinking of you. Losing a relative is hard enough whether it was expected or not. This is the last thing you need. I would be arguing that they haven’t asked or notified you of any payments whilst your cousin was in their care, and you were waiting to hear about the assessment. Get yourself on the phone tomorrow to CAB, you definitely need some professional advice xx 

And another thing!  I had to google LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney).  Even if you were a current PoA, it still doesn't make you responsible for outstanding bills.  

Oh Raine, I am so sorry you have had this upsetting letter after the death of your cousin. If I had received it, I would have ignored it as they are out of order sending such a letter in the first place. However, I would keep it and if you receive any more, take them to your local MP and ask her/him to deal with this and put an end to it as you have enough to think about without receiving upsetting illegal letters like this.

Please concentrate on your painting and don't give this another thought!

Thanks everybody for your support. I will try not to let this affect me. On reflection I'm more angry now then anything - that they have the brass neck to send such a letter. I'll let you know what transpires. Rainie x

They are most likely entitled to money from here estate. You are liable for nothing. My wife had this when her sister died and Bedfordshire council told her she was liable it just the council trying to scare you. They have no legal agreement with you so you owe them nothing. 

Hello Richard. So nice to hear from you and thank you for this information. My cousins' estate will only cover about half of what they appear to say is 'owed'. It would appear that some councils are indeed trying it on. Thanks.

On another note, how are you getting to grips with things? Are you now fully equipped with the hardware for mobility etc. I do hope so. Been thinking about you and all this new stuff you've got to deal with. Big hugs. Rainie x

Hi , phone the CAB. from what I can remember,  any fee's should be taken from your dear cousin's estate. You should NOT be responsible. Ignore it and get on with your lovely paintings xx

Hi Rainieday,

I would definitely call the CAB.  Not only should you not be liable for her care costs but if you had assurances that the NHS would cover the costs until an assessment should be carried out then it is likely that her estate should not be liable either.

The CAB should be able to clarify this but if not ring Macmillan and ask to speak to a financial advisor as they should also know what the rules are.

Wishing you all the best in your battle with bureaucracy,

Gragon xx