The Direct Debit Guarantee change

It's just over a month and counting down to the deadline by which all Direct Debit service users must have applied the new wording of the Direct Debit Guarantee to all Direct Debit Instructions (DDIs), and any other materials where the wording of the Direct Debit Guarantee is included.

The wording of the Direct Debit Guarantee was changed in July 2009 to highlight that, where an error has not been made, the payer is still liable for the underlying debt. The protection offered to payers by the Guarantee however, remains the same.

Check and ensure all your relevant materials are amended - be it DDIs, website, promotional materials or marketing brochures - don't leave any Direct Debit Guarantee unturned!

Don't get caught out - ensure you change your materials in time. Failure to do so will mean you're not complying with the Direct Debit Scheme Rules.

• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit (insert your organisation name) will notify you (insert number of ) working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request (insert your organisation name) to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by (insert your organisation name) or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when (insert your organisation name) asks you to • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit (insert your organisation name) will notify you (insert number of ) working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request (insert your organisation name) to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by (insert your organisation name) or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society

- If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when (insert your organisation name) asks you to

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.