I have recently changed my gas and electricity supplier from BG to Scottish Power and i have just checked my online bank to find BG have taken out over £100 more than my usual DD, i presume this is my final payment, but is it right that they can just do that without informing me? i've gone over my bloody overdraft now so will get charged £30!! Grrrr!
2007-02-03 06:07:37 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
direct debit YES
standing order, NO.
this is the difference. They're supposed to notify you, though.
2007-02-03 06:10:45 · answer #1 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Can British Gas increase my direct debit - Yes
without letting me know - No
A direct debit is an agreement which authorises your bank to make payments on demand and is normallyset up when the payment amount is variable (such as utility bills). A Standing Order is for a regular fixed amount (such as loan repayment).
So BG are quite within their rights to vary the amount but they also have to notify you at least 10 days in advance. Your bill should state something to the effect of "the amount due will be collected by direct debit on or after such and such a date".
In the first instance take the matter up with British Gas. If you didn't receive any advance notice or the amount taken differs from what was notified to you then they should refund the amount (or excess) and reimburse any costs incurred.
If that fails take it up with the bank. Banks can only charge a realistic penanty - one that reflects the true costs of bouncing a cheque, going overdrawn etc. The consensus amongst experts is that £5 is the maximum figure. There's a good chance you can reclaim the charge from your bank together with most, if not all, charges within the last six years. This article from the BBC tells you how... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6170209.stm
2007-02-06 22:14:28 · answer #2 · answered by Trevor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost all direct debits are variable but you should have been notified. I think 10 days. Do some research. Try typing in bank direct debits in search. If your bank paid the direct debit when you were not liable the bank is responsible, so it's their problem. My bank said that was not the case I asked them for the phone number of the banking ombudsman they scuttled around like headless chickens and did it my way. You may have to pay the extra but I would fight tooth and nail not to pay the charges. If the bank has paid any direct debit when they shouldn't they can recall the money for up to 3 days. My Bank manager tried to tell me this wasn't the case I told her I could read....... cave in is putting it mildly. I have a small business and 3 accounts at 1 branch, the more fuss I make the better I'm treated, even when my daughter makes my joint account with her overdrawn. Most bank charges are discretionary. Argue.
2007-02-03 06:40:34 · answer #3 · answered by chewystuff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they can't increase it without letting you know. They can vary the payment without permission, but they must tell you 10 days beforehand.
You should have received a final bill from British Gas. It will say on it that they will be taking the payment on x date. If it is not on the bill, or you never received it, you may have a case in getting the charge refunded either by your bank or by British Gas.
2007-02-04 13:10:52 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you'll find they can. There's something in the agreement that says they can vary the payments. If you want to pay a set amount you need a standing order, which is different from a direct debit. They should inform you though, it's bad that they didn't.
2007-02-03 06:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your direct debit is for a fixed amount then no they cant. They should have carried on collecting it each month until the final bill was paid up or write to you to say they need to increase it to cover the last payment. If your direct debt was for the whole bill, then yes they can take everything that was due.
2007-02-03 06:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by jeanimus 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely....You set up a direct debit and they debit you the amount of the bill..If you ahev had an increase then they are by law allowed to do this.. Bummer i know but what can be done....
Ask your new supplier when you next speak to them and find out their policy on this......
2007-02-03 06:12:20 · answer #7 · answered by GRANDMA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they shouldn't have done this without advising you first in writing. No-one can do it unless they give advance notice. Look on the back of your last Gas bill and it should tell you the address to write to in the case of complaint. Or you can contact Energywatch - the power industry's watchdog. They will give you free, independent help and advice. Contact them on: energywatch helpline 0845 906 0708. Email: enquiries@energywatch.org.uk Website: www.energywatch.org.uk. I had to write to them in the past about British Gas and they helped tremendously. Good luck.
2007-02-03 14:10:14 · answer #8 · answered by Sandee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A direct debit can be a variable amount each period. If you want to fix a certain amount every time then set up a standing order.
2007-02-03 06:23:27 · answer #9 · answered by David J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With any direct debit you should be informed before the money is taken. check lates and previous bills to see if you have been advised. if not you could have a case.
2007-02-03 06:14:02 · answer #10 · answered by JOHN K 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes ... you gave them a direct debit .... they can take whatever they need!
Next time, insist on setting up a Standing Order that you can control, rather than a direct debit that gives them more power
2007-02-03 06:11:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋