Frequently Asked Questions
How will I access my money?
We will work with you and your social worker to choose the best way for you to access your money, based on what works for you.
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Prepaid Card - Ideal if you can remember your PIN and use a card independently or with support. Funds can be loaded daily, weekly, or monthly, as agreed. These cards cannot be overdrawn
- Post Office Voucher - If a card isn’t suitable, you will receive a weekly voucher by email or post. It includes a barcode that can be scanned at the Post Office to withdraw the agreed amount.
Paying bills - As the Client Affairs Team will be managing your income, your case officer will ensure your bills, care fees, and any existing debts are paid on your behalf.
Personal use - You, your Social Worker, and support team will work together to agree a weekly amount for your personal use.
Do I have to pay for the service?
Yes. The Client Affairs service is non-statutory. This means that the Council is not legally required to provide it.
Charges for Appointeeship
The Council charges for Appointeeship services based on the account balance on the anniversary of the appointment:
- No charge is applied for balances under £1,000
- 3.5% annually is charged for balances between £1,001 and £20,300
- £824 is charged annually for balances over £20,301
Charges for Deputyship
When a Deputy is appointed by the Court of Protection, the Council can charge fees based on national rates set out by the Court of Protection who sits under the Ministry of Justice.
In addition, the Office of the Public Guardian charges an annual supervision fee, which depends on the balance in your account on the anniversary of the court order.
Keeping your data safe
All personal and financial information is handled securely and in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Newham Council’s data
protection policies.
We only collect and use data that is necessary to support you, and we never share your information without your consent unless legally required.
Glossary of terms
|
Client Affairs Team |
Manages the finances of individuals who are unable to do so themselves, ensuring their money is used in their best interests. |
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Court of Protection |
A specialist court that makes decisions about the property, finances, and welfare of people who lack mental capacity. |
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Office of the Public Guardian |
The government body that oversees deputies and ensures people who lack mental capacity are protected. These reports provide transparency and accountability in how your money is managed. |
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Corporate Appointee |
An organisation (like a local authority) officially appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to manage a person’s benefits when they cannot do so themselves. |
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Court of Protection Deputy for Property & Affairs |
A person or organisation appointed by the Court of Protection to manage someone’s financial matters when they lack capacity. |
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Lacks Mental Capacity |
Unable to make a specific decision at a given time due to illness, disability, or injury, as defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 |
