Bank say they can’t cancel a direct debit for no reason given at all

KleboldKlan

We took out an IVA to help with debts (rent arrears,council tax, etc) and they’ve took money out when they said they wouldn’t today of all days (Sunday) they normally take it out Fridays. We told them we needed that money for my health conditions (medication and hospital visit coming up on Tuesday) so now we are basically screwed. 

We have called the bank before, to cancel the direct debit being taken out but they said they can’t. No reason given to why they couldn’t, but they “couldnt”) I don’t think this is right because it’s our bank account, surely we decide what goes in and what goes out. Now we fear that our Christmas is ruined because we can’t afford anything. Granted we have my money coming next week but it’s barely enough to get by during Christmas especially when we’ve just had a week of not eating and being cold (I shouldn’t be getting cold or going hungry due to above health conditions) 

can someone explain if they can do this or not? We have a family member taking us over the bank tomorrow so I need some advice. I just can’t see how this is true? 

stclair

That’s not true you cancel a direct debit when ever you want. Who do you bank with? If the money debited the account Friday ask them to do an indemnity claim

KleboldKlan

stclair said:

That’s not true you cancel a direct debit when ever you want. Who do you bank with? If the money debited the account Friday ask them to do an indemnity claim

We bank with Barclays. 

stclair

KleboldKlan said:

stclair said:

That’s not true you cancel a direct debit when ever you want. Who do you bank with? If the money debited the account Friday ask them to do an indemnity claim

We bank with Barclays. 

Just ask them to do an indemnity claim tomorrow, if you called over the weekend there system might not be at full functionality to action such request. Have you cancelled it in your online banking or app? 

grumbler

Indemnity claim can be done if the money "has been taken in error or without authority".

My understanding is that neither was the case. Whoever took the money had the authority. I don't see any grounds for such claim.

The bank is at fault - Barclays should have cancelled the DD when asked. I think a complaint is needed, but it will take time.

Section62

KleboldKlan said:

We took out an IVA to help with debts (rent arrears,council tax, etc) and they’ve took money out when they said they wouldn’t today of all days (Sunday) they normally take it out Fridays.

Did you get that in writing?

elsien

If the money normally goes out on a Friday, when was it due - Friday just gone or next Friday?
How often is the direct debit set up to go out? 
Are the IVA payments that you've agreed affordable for you if you're not able to keep up with the payment plan?

mab3000

Hmmm is this definitely a direct debit? Could it be a regular debit card payment instead? 

Barclays do not process Direct Debits over the weekend, I cannot see how it has come out today unless it was a debit card payment….

If it is a regular debit card payment, Barclays can only block future debit card payments if the actual payment has been set up as a recurring regular payment. If the company simply charge your card each time then Barclays are not able to stop this. I suspect that the company just charge your debit card each time. 

And if it is the case that the company just charge your debit card each time (and it’s not been set up as a recurring card payment), and the company have charged your card when they said they wouldn’t, then it’s the company that are at fault, and who you would need to speak to about this initially. 

kazwookie

I cannot help with the banking, but I suggest you contact a local food bank for food, that is what they are there for this maybe be via a church/ local authority/ salvation army etc.

Also are you getting all the benefits you may be entitled to?

sheramber

Contact the IVA practitioner first thing tomorrow morning to confirm why the money was taken.

FaceHead

Following on from kazwookie's point, the broader issue here sounds like one of income and expenditure, so that you have food AND heating. e.g. should you be paying for medication (prescription charges?), are you getting the right benefits, is the IVA payment right, and are you budgeting right.