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Spurgeons and Dad.Info doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find advice on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
I've been battling with CMS for over a year now, and I could really use some advice. In 2021 and 2022, CMS charged me twice—once for Universal Credit and again for direct payment—resulting in nearly £500 extra being taken. I provided all the evidence in June 2024 (it took a long time to gather everything), and when I spoke to CMS on the phone, they confirmed they had received the documents. They even told me that if they couldn't contact my ex, they would refund the money to my bank, but that hasn’t happened.
I started a new job in May and contributed to a private pension, but now CMS is saying they won’t count the contributions unless I've paid into it for a year. Unfortunately, the job only lasted three months, and I made two pension payments during that time. Despite reaching out by phone and sending letters (over 20 documents), I've never received an answer about how this will affect my payments. I’ve also been very clear that I’m willing to pay, but I’m waiting for a breakdown.
In September, I got a letter saying CMS were looking into everything and wouldn’t change me to Collect and Pay from Direct Pay. But when I checked the CMS website, they had switched me to Collect and Pay and are now charging me £623 in service fees. I called to say this wasn’t fair, but they kept repeating that it was because I hadn’t paid, even though I’ve been waiting for a calculation.
I’ve now found a new job with a work pension, so I’m okay on that front, but I still can’t accept the £623 charge, especially since I’ve spent two full days and over six hours on the phone with CMS trying to resolve this. My MP has been in contact with them, but CMS lied and said they resolved the double payment issue in 2021. If that’s true, why did the CMS agent in June 2024 ask me to submit evidence and say they would refund me?
Do you think I have a chance if I take this to the Independent Case Examiner (ICE)? Do I need to involve my MP again, or can I go straight to ICE? I’m just so exhausted by all of this, but being charged £623 for Collect and Pay, especially after CMS said they wouldn’t switch me over in September, feels completely unfair.