Managing your debt
Ref: 036/09/08
This factsheet is for people who are having difficulties in paying the money they owe to The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
How we can help you
The Adult and Community Services Finance is responsible for collecting and recovering money owed to the Council for social care. We follow a Debt Recovery Policy and can help you manage the debt you owe to us.
We cannot help you reduce the size of your debt but we may agree reasonable instalments and stop any legal action being taken against you. Contact us as soon as possible to explain your situation and we will work with you to reach an agreement about how much you can afford to pay on a weekly or monthly basis.
The Council will take firm action against people who get into arrears and do not take steps to contact us to sort out the problem. If the arrears continue to increase or invoices are not paid, we will take debt recovery action, which could result in legal proceedings.
Payment methods
You have a number to options to pay your debt. You can:
- Set up a direct debit - the safest and easiest way to pay
- Telephone payment - telephone 020 8891 7418
- Make an online payment at www.richmond.gov.uk/payments
- Make postal payments by cheque
- Make a payment at a bank or post office
If you do not pay we will
- Write to you to inform you that you are in arrears
- Telephone you
- Visit you
- Take legal action and take you to court
- Contact family members or your employer if appropriate
The last thing we want to do is take you to court, but we may do so if you do not contact us to explain why you are unable to pay the debt. Any court costs and interest incurred will be added to your outstanding debt.
Contact the Charging Helpline
Our office hours are 8.30 - 5.15 Monday to Thursday, 8.30 - 5.00 Friday
Adult and Community Service,
Finance,
Civic Centre,
44 York Street,
Twickenham,
TW1 3BZ
Telephone: 020 8891 7418
Email: charging.helpline@richmond.gov.uk
Fax:020 8831 6199
