A disabled pensioner is being taken to court for an unexpected bill of more than £50,000 for his late mother’s end of life care – four years after her death.
John Godfrey, 71, of Kinnesswood in Kinross-shire, has claimed the £53,480 charge from the local council has “taken a toll” on he and his wife’s health after receiving the bill at the start of the year, despite his mother dying in 2015.
Beryl Godfrey was transferred from her home in Cambridgeshire to Ochil Nursing Home in Perth in 2008, at the age of 86, to be closer to her son who had moved north of the border around 10 years previously.
Ms Godfrey was moved to Perth on a fully-funded care package from NHS England after it was agreed she required 24-hour nursing care.
Three years later, in 2011, the care package was withdrawn. Mr Godfrey believed the funding should have been taken over by NHS Tayside at the request of Perth and Kinross Council.
In 2012, Ms Godfrey was transferred to Kippen House near Dunning, where she continued to receive palliative care until her death at the age of 93, in 2015.
Mr Godfrey, who has severe health problems, said he is “angry and frustrated” by the bill after spending many years looking after his sick mum.
He said: “We fought our best for mum for many years and now me and my wife thought we would have some peace to look after each other with our disabilities.
“And then four years later, we get this letter from Perth and Kinross Council wanting £53,000 for my mum’s end of life care – it scared the life out of us.
“How can they do this to us nearly four years after mum was laid to rest? My wife has had 18 months of surgery so she’s very vulnerable at the moment.
“It has really taken a toll on my wife and I. We really thought that in 2015, when we buried my mum, that we would get some peace.”
Since receiving the first bill for £53,480, John claims last week he got an increased bill of £80,562 from sheriff court officers which includes an 8% interest charge.
Perth and Kinross Council say they are “confident” in the bill sent to Mr Godfrey and his wife.
A council spokesperson said: “There are ongoing legal proceedings in relation to this matter and it would be inappropriate for the council to comment on the case, which has been raised at the County Court Business Centre in England.
“However, the council is confident in its procedures for financial assessment of those who require residential care or care at home.
“Additionally, the council has a duty to manage taxpayers’ money responsibly, which can include the recovery of debts which are due to the council.”
