Client affairs ( formerly known as receivership)
A person who struggles to manage their financial affairs but has mental capacity can appoint someone as an appointee to receive and manage their benefits. This would include the payment of utility bills and the release of funds for personal needs.
LBHF can become appointees if there is no one else available.
What happens?
The client affairs team submits an application to the DWP to manage a service user's benefits. Prospective cases need to be referred to the client affairs team by the service users' allocated social worker. The team can then release the personal allowance and pay the service user's utility bills, in accordance with a financial schedule agreed with the social worker.
Court of Protection appointed deputies
If a resident lacks the capacity to manage their own affairs, the client affairs team submits applications to the Court of Protection (on behalf of the Director of Community Services) to be appointed as a deputy to manage the property and affairs of people who lack the capacity.
Council contract funeral service
The team will arrange council contract funerals in respect of people who die in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham where there is no one else willing or able to deal with the arrangements. (If a person dies in a hospital in the borough there are different arrangements).
Protection of property
If a resident of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham is admitted to hospital or residential care the client affairs team can be called upon to protect their property. This can involve removing any assets from the premises and safeguarding them whilst the resident is away from home and can also involve the boarding of pets.
Contact
Client affairs
145 -155 King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9XY
Email: clientaffairsteam@lbhf.gov.uk
Office: 020 8753 5042
Address: 145 King Street
Hammersmith, London, W6 9XY
Page last updated: 17/02/2011
