BG taking money from bank account

chick-chick

Money has been tight, and we had a bill from British Gas for £800. Admitedly we buried our heads in the sand a bit, and tried to ignore it until we could afford to pay it.

But now on two occasions my OH has had money taken out of his bank account, by British Gas. Last month they took around £400, and this month a further £200. Now we owe them £200, and no doubt they will just take that next month.

As you can imagine, it's left us mega short, and we have REALLY struggled to pay the mortgage. Never mind buying food!

I know we owe British Gas the money, there is no disputing this. But can they really just take the money owed from your bank account?

tripled

If you have a direct debit in place, provided they notify you in advance, then they can take what they like.

Call them up and ask if they can recalculate your payments, they should be able to spread any remaining balance over the next 12 months.

BWDSKi

Would it be cheaper to get a card meter fitted?

tripled

The cost of energy is more expensive on a prepayment meter than by direct debit, so as a moneysaver they should only really be considered as a last resort

Cardew

When you sign a Direct Debit you authorise your bank to pay variable amounts to BG(in this case)

As Tripled said, the only stipulation is that you are notified in advance. You will probably find this notification on the bottom of your bill.

JohalaReewi

I guess BG are taking money via a direct debit.

If this is the case, BG have to notify you in advance (usually 10 days or more) of how much they are going to take and when. Even if you authorise them to take variable amounts.

If BG don't notify you, or they take too much, or they take it early, you are covered by the direct debit guarantee scheme and can claim a full and immediate refund from your BANK.

Check for letters or emails or bills from BG regarding your DD payments and see if they told you they were going to take £400 in one go. If not, contact your BANK and ask for a full and immediate refund under the direct debit guarantee scheme. Some banks will try to make out it is not up to them to do this and you have to take it up with BG. This is wrong and they are trying to pull a fast one. Make sure you get to talk to someone at the bank who knows about the DD guarantee scheme.

On the other hand, if BG did tell you they were going to take the money, that is that.