TV licence direct debit refund

matty_hunt

Hi.
I rang the Tv licencing people on 25th March to cancel my licence. However, on the 1st of april they still took a direct debit payment.

when i rang them they confirmed I had cancelled on the 25th march but that they had told me to cancel my direct debt straight away. Unfortunately I was changing internet providers at the time, which didnt go smooth, and was unable to log into my bank. But surely a direct debit is my promision for a company to request money, not like a standing order. So, am I not right in thinking that the TV licencing people should have cancelled at their end and not requested the april direct debit payment? When I rang them the lady just said' "we told you to cancel your direct debit" and wasnt interested in giving me a refund.

where do I stand?
many thanks

KimYeovil

You are entitled to a refund. You can claim from your bank under the guarantee as it was incorrectly debited.

As it is only one month's payment, I'd prefer the long-winded harassing Capita route - just write letters demanding a refund and when they are ignored threaten court action. And initiate the small claim when they again ignore you.

The advisor was wrong. The consumer should almost always never cancel a direct debit - it is up to the company to do so.

matty_hunt

Thanks. You have confirmed what I thought.
cheers

williham

I rang up to cancel my tv license and she said it's cancelled, I then called back and he said no they should have told you to cancel it with the bank as it's too late to cancel at their end. Cancelling it with your bank is quicker than them cancelling it, but your bank should give you a refund under the direct debit guarantee.

williham

You can get refunds for unused quarters even after you have paid them, also.