A new Direct Debit payment system introduced by Thurrock Council offers a stress-free way to pay for Adult Social Care that will help service users make sure their accounts are always up to date.
Previously those that paid for adult social care could only use unwieldy standing orders or had to remember to make regular payments from their bank accounts. This could mean that accounts could fall into arrears, or they might end up overpaying by accident.
The new system will see payments taken for the exact amount owed on a schedule agreed beforehand.
Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook, Cabinet Member for Finances and Resources, said: “People who receive adult social care from us already have a lot on their plate, as do their families and loved ones. We hope that by introducing this automatic payment system we can make paying for care as simple and straightforward as possible.
“This is us introducing technology that truly helps those that pay for adult social care better manage their accounts and gives them the peace of mind that all the financial elements of their care are always being properly managed.
“It has been a long time coming. Following this we will expand the use of direct debits to cover other service payments that residents make to the council, helping to simplify those as well.”
The council will write to all those who pay for adult social care to let them know, and officers will be on hand to help people get direct debits agreed and set-up.