National Lottery Direct Debit

riversmeade

I have just been told by the National Lottery that they are unable to change any Direct Debit details either on their website or by phone until MID JULY as they are updating their systems. That seems to me to be extremely odd... I have changed my Bank Account and they suggested that I keep the old one for a couple of months. They pointed to the following... "We're currently making some changes to our Direct Debit service so, from the 11th May, it won't be possible to set up a new Direct Debit or edit your existing Direct Debit or Direct Debit play slips."

brightonman123

very odd. I would cancel with your bank, and try a new one, or just buy tickets in a shop!

eskbanker

Wasn't aware of this but yes, it is published on their website at http://www.national-lottery.co.uk/player/p/serviceguide.ftl:

Please note that you will be unable to set up a new Direct Debit or edit an existing Direct Debit for approximately 8 weeks from 7th May 2014 to allow for system updates

However, if you're changing your bank account via the current account switching service, that process transfers your DDs, not sure how that works if National Lottery are doing their lengthy maintenance though.... If you're not using the switching service then you could presumably leave the account open, although that is the tail wagging the dog somewhat!

JB9302

That answers a question for me thanks , I have been trying to close my account for a couple of weeks and it wont let me so I cancelled the DD at the bank .

riversmeade

... why it is taking months and months to update a website, which they said was the reason for this...

John