Over charging in the news !!

Once again services for adults with learning difficulties is in the news , getting to be quite a habit lately !!
This time one of our neighbouring councils has been on local television news for over charging for services such as" help with dressing " for adults with learning difficulties.
It was first raised with the council concerned in 2001 by a " whisleblower " employee.
The council said everything was being done to improve services and the council accept serious failings.The council made a £244000.00 payout after admitting the findings for overcharging since 2000.
Recommendations have since been put into place such as weekly monitoring,new social work supervision policy and new safe guarding policy.
But to me this highlights that with carers being in charge of their own budgets such as direct payments ,you need to do your homework and know what you are being charged for and how much.There isn`t an across the board example as every council will be different on what they provide so you do need to check with your authority.