‘It’s a disgrace’ - Care home boss pays £30,000 from his own pocket after bank delays

Hans Daugaard-Hansen has bought Culrose Residential Care Home in Dickleburgh but difficulties involving his bank means he's unable to access the business bank account to pay staff. He is pictured with manager Leanne Norman. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2016)

Hans Daugaard-Hansen bought Culrose Residential Care Home in Dickleburgh nearly a month ago, but has not yet been given access to the business's bank account – which is where the care fees for the home's 18 residents are paid.

Lloyds Banking Group, which runs the account, has apologised for the delay and, yesterday, offered him a bank transfer to tide him over.

But Mr Daugaard-Hansen said: 'It's a disgrace. I can't believe that it could be so complicated.

'It's the non-urgency of the bank that is the issue. You can't treat old and vulnerable people like this.

'I've had to sell my personal shares to pay the bills. It's costing me £5,000 a week on wages and about £1,000 on food.'

But Mr Daugaard-Hansen reassured residents and staff at the Norwich Road home he would ensure they were cared for and paid, even if it meant him taking out a loan.

His company PropertyEast bought Culrose as a going concern on June 24, on the understanding he would have immediate access to the business bank account – but the process has taken nearly four weeks already.

The 26 staff were previously paid weekly in cash, meaning their wages were not paid automatically from the account, said Mr Daugaard-Hansen, adding that he has since moved them over to bank transfer payment.

A spokesman for Lloyds said the bank 'incorrectly advised' Mr Daugaard-Hansen on how long the account change would take, they had accelerated his access to internet banking and he had been offered £250 as a goodwill gesture for his inconvenience.

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