Direct debit issue

n1writer

Can anyone advise me of my rights regarding paying for goods and services through direct debit?
Basically, for the last 10 years, £10 a month has been paid from one of my bank accounts to Optical Express. When I contacted them last summer to find out what this was for, they were eventually able to tell me it was for their dental clinic.
Due to moving around for jobs, etc, I had not visited their dental clinic since 2003 and was informed that it actually closed down in 2005. I was also told that the £10 per month would not have secured me any services anyway, as the fees had increased. To add insult to injury, they have not retained any of my details, hence the fact I hadn't been invited back for any appointments. Indeed, they have lost my dental records.
The company is offering me £300 as a goodwill payment, but contends [FONT=&quot]"the onus is on the individual to take up the benefits for which they have paid and there is no entitlement to refunds for unused benefits."
Should I accept the £300, or should I be demanding a full refund?
[/FONT]

Wywth

n1writer wrote: »

Can anyone advise me of my rights regarding paying for goods and services through direct debit?
Basically, for the last 10 years, £10 a month has been paid from one of my bank accounts to Optical Express. When I contacted them last summer to find out what this was for, they were eventually able to tell me it was for their dental clinic.
Due to moving around for jobs, etc, I had not visited their dental clinic since 2003 and was informed that it actually closed down in 2005. I was also told that the £10 per month would not have secured me any services anyway, as the fees had increased. To add insult to injury, they have not retained any of my details, hence the fact I hadn't been invited back for any appointments. Indeed, they have lost my dental records.
The company is offering me £300 as a goodwill payment, but contends [FONT=&quot]"the onus is on the individual to take up the benefits for which they have paid and there is no entitlement to refunds for unused benefits."[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Should I accept the £300, or should I be demanding a full refund?[/FONT]

Grab the goodwill offer.
They are correct in the position explained to you.
If the fees have increased, think yourself lucky the supplier has not been charging you those.
Don't forget to cancel your DD mandate too, whilst at the same time explaining to the supplier you are cancelling the contract with them (if not already fully explained)

Optical Express still advertise dental services on their website
http://www.thedentalclinic.com/why-choose-us/the-optical-express-group.html