Practice Direction 19B sets out the guidance on the deputy costs and the charging structure. The guidance states that a deputy can receive an interim payment in advance of the assessment for the year, which is proportionate and reasonable. It is noted that the overall level of interim payments received cannot exceed 75% of their estimated costs submitted to the Office of the Public Guardian or the WIP (whichever is lower) within a reporting year.

If you have a situation whereby, the interim payment taken exceeded your estimated costs or the WIP, you will need to credit note and refund this overpayment immediately.

Once the bill is assessed by the SCCO, and a final costs certificate has been issued, the Deputy will be entitled to receive the balance for that year, which would be the difference between the total of interim payments received during the year and the total assessed costs as set out in the final costs certificate.

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