How to Request a Fee Review for Potential Breaches in Fee Management Conditions
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From: Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Published on: 14 January 2025
- Last updated on: 14 January 2025
In instances where an individual identifies a potential increase to fees charged by a Core Funding Partner Service, they may seek to have this examined and a conclusion reached through the Core Funding Fee Review process. For the 2024/25 Programme Year, this investigation process is being conducted by the National Fee Review Team (NFRT), as well as members of the Department who will reach decisions on individual cases.
In instances where a fee increase is identified through a fee review process, sanctions will vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case. However, if a determination is made that a breach of the Core Funding rules, a Partner Service may be asked to provide evidence of remediation of any breach of the Core Funding rules within the allowed time period of 60 working days. Evidence of remediation may include the provision of evidence that demonstrates that a Partner Service has:
• Restored fees to the correct level, if applicable.
• Informed and refunded all parents who have been overcharged the full amount that they have overpaid, or agreed a repayment plan with them, if applicable.
• Updated the relevant Fee Table and Parent Statement for Partner Services on the HIVE, posted them in public locations on the premises, and emailed them to all parents as required by the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement, if applicable.
Failure to provide evidence of remediation may result in the Minister terminating the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement. Funding may remain suspended until such a time as a determination has been made and the Partner Service has provided a Declaration and supporting evidence to the Department and/or Scheme Administrator to demonstrate its compliance with the outcome of the Fee Review Process.
In the event that an individual wishes to raise a concern regarding a potential breach in fee conditions, the first step is to reach out to their local CCC.
The process is outlined in detail here.