Trouble with Southern Water - now owe money!

bunnywoof

I contacted Southern Water in Oct 2009 to ask why I was £413.33 in credit and if I could have the money back. They agreed to lower my direct debit and send me a cheque less two months of payment which would take me up to the end of the year. The new direct debit for £27.60 would start in January. After recently checking I noticed that no money had been taken out so called them yesterday. Was told that I was now in 6 months arrears as the direct debit wasnt set up although it was on my account to do so and no money was registered to be taken out. Asked for an explanation on why then was I only sent £374.03. Was told they had no idea but the only course of action was to wait until the next bill arrived or start paying over £50 per month to clear everything. Was also told that the £27.60 quoted was incorrect and it should be nearer to £30. Was also informed that as they are a large company they couldnt be expected to check that every direct debit has been processed! As you can imagine, I wasn't the happiest bunny in the world. Have written a letter of complaint and copied it to Ofwat and the Consumer Council for Water. Don't hold out much hope for a reply but would like suggestions on next course of action. At the moment, my next bill looks to be about £200 which I can't afford.