If it charges for services, the local authority has a duty to decide how much you can afford to pay and can reduce the charge, or not charge you, if it is not reasonable for you to pay the charge. It may not withdraw a service or a personal budget because you fail to pay the charge. This is because the decision to meet a need for care and support is separate from, and comes before, any decision to charge.

Complaints – You can complain about the amount you are being charged using the procedure described in Chapter 34(11). Some authorities have a charges complaints or appeals procedure that is shorter than the standard complaints procedure, but you can insist on using the standard complaints procedure.