QCG carries out invoice validation as a part of the procurement process, and at this point identified that VAT of 20% was being applied to Seaview Haven’s bills. Care homes qualify for a reduced rate of 5% but suppliers will only apply this if a VAT declaration has been filed. Suppliers can refund overpaid VAT dating back 4 years.
Upon further investigation, QCG found that 20% had been applied historically and that VAT was also being applied to water bills, a charge from which all care homes are exempt.
For the subsequent 8 months, QCG proceeded to follow up on reclaiming the overcharges with 4 separate suppliers, and has to date been able to secure VAT refunds totalling £12,385, with further reimbursements likely. What’s more, by sourcing new tariffs for the supplies, QCG was able to secure energy savings of £10,500 for Seaview Haven over the 3 year contract term.
“The team at Quality Care worked tirelessly on our behalf to recover the overcharges applied to our utility bills. When you’re running a busy care operation, billing details like this are easily overlooked and bills are paid without thorough inspection. I don’t have the time to chase suppliers to recover this refund, so I’m hugely grateful to Quality Care for both identifying the issue and also for persisting with the suppliers to obtain a significant refund, something which I simply wouldn’t have the time to do myself. I’m also grateful that QCG was able to source and put in place contracts with utilities suppliers offering a much more favourable rate, to improve our bottom line going forward.”
Chris Hill, Owner, Seaview Haven Care Home
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