The son of a care home resident has said he suffered “additional distress” after being issued with a £4,000 bill following his mother’s death.

Hugh Mclean whose mother, Margaret, was a resident at Trinity House in Edinburgh, which is run by Care Concern Group, said on social media he had waited four months since his mother’s death for the funds to be returned.

“The length of time taken along with the protracted communication has caused us additional distress at this most difficult time,” Mclean said.

He said he had repeatedly attempted to contact the group over the charge without success.

The funds were returned to him after the group was contacted by The Herald newspaper.

Guidance issued by the Competition & Markets Authority on after death fees states: “It is the CMA’s view that a payment period of up to three days (beginning from the day following the resident’s death) should normally strike the right balance between the legitimate needs of the care home and the resident.”

A spokeswoman for Trinity Care Home told Caring Times said it was the “first time” that they had been aware of Mr Mclean’s concerns.

The home apologised to Mr Mclean and issued a full refund after being made aware of the issue.