How soon after switching can I cancel my the direct debit with the old supplier? (Tonik Energy)

FullForce

inspectorperez said:

FullForce said:

inspectorperez said:

FullForce said:

inspectorperez said:

"Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions....."

Only with the consent of the payer!

Indeed, consent is provided when you apply for the tariff that requires you to pay by Direct Debit.

Indeed, and that consent is withdrawn when the payer cancels the direct debit.

It's not quite as simple as that.

Really? I think it is. Once consent is given and then withdrawn, it is that simple. If a supplier wishes for subsequent reinstatement, a second consent is required from the payer.

Yes, really.
But I respect your right to your own opinion.

FullForce

brewerdave said:

FullForce said:

brewerdave said:

Ectophile said:

inspectorperez said:

Just wondering why Biscuit_Tin hasn't justified his/her dismissal of my earlier post (timed at 9.58 a.m) as "poor and inaccurate advice" when he/she has been active on other threads.

No discourtesy intended, but I would like to know his/her reasoning.

 If you leave the direct debit open for a bit longer, they can sort out the last bill through that.

The problem with that reasonable scenario, is that many of the Utility Cos. are taking months to produce a final bill. This can result in them taking multiple DDs before that bill is produced - I know ,because I ended up being owed £00s a couple of years ago because my then leccy supplier took two DDs after I had left them and before raising the final bill! 
As a result of that I now cancel the old supplier's DD once I know my switch has gone through - because I check my current debit/credit status, this means either they owe me or I owe them, a small amount.

From 1st May 2020, suppliers must now produce a final bill within 6 weeks of a switch having been completed.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/new-customer-compensation-payments-further-improve-switching
This was an expectation of suppliers previously, but now it's backed by an automatic penalty if they fail.

Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions, don't you?
If you are so fearful of the Direct Debit process, don't use it at all.
But most people are more than satisfied by the safeguards afforded to us under the terms of the Direct Debit Guarantee.

Hollow laughs all round about 6 weeks after a switch! There may be penalties in theory but getting the losing supplier to pay up is going to be ultra tough. Also they have a perfect excuse at the moment for delays!  I left Avro in Feb  and still waiting on final bill nearly 9 weeks after.
 As to reinstating a DD ? 1. I check my current accounts several times a week including looking at DD lists (anal ,I know!) and 2. I have been assured by my current account provider (Santander) that they do not allow a DD to be reinstated. A new DD would have to be set up.

One of the common things I find about most bank staff is that they don't know much, if anything, about the content of the Guide and Rules to the Direct Debit Scheme.

As I suggested to you above, if you are so fearful of the Direct Debit process (having to check your active DDI list several times a week with your bank), I suggest you don't use it at all.

Gerry1

FullForce said:

Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions, don't you?

Out of interest, do you have any evidence to support this?  Just curious.

inspectorperez

The direct debit scheme is an excellent scheme and works well for both customers and suppliers. It was designed to produce an efficient form of payment service which requires little input or maintenance once in place. It also provides certainty for customer and supplier alike. Once it has been cancelled by the customer who is now an ex customer, the former supplier has no right to attempt to use an obsolete mandate for the purposes of receiving a payment to which it is not entitled. In practice this might happen if the cancellation was effected on or around the time that the supplier had already made the payment request. In those circumstances the payer's bank would recover the payment within the terms of the direct debiit scheme. There is no rocket science about this and I believe it is unfair to suggest that the training provided by banks to their staff is deficient in this respect.