Direct Debit Problem

[sherryberry]

I have paid for contact lenses for the last 5+ years by Direct Debit. I have now been contacted by Contact Lense Co who say that I haven't paid for the last year. Have checked bank statements and they are right. What is the position with regard to paying the back payments. I owe them approx �500 because they, for some reason, have not collected the direct debit. I thought it was being collected and did not check so it is my fault. Anybody know where I stand legally and whether the Direct Debit Guarantee will be able to help.
Thanks in advance.

[Loosehead]

You owe them the money but as it's their error they would probably be amenable to an offer of say paying the outstanding amount over the next year so effectivley you would pay double for a year. Call them and discuss, they are within their rights to ask for the full amount but friendly negotiation should deflect them from that path.

[CheekyChops]

Have they not claimed the DD or have they claimed and the Bank have told them the direct debit is cancelled? That would make a difference so may be worth asking your bank whether the DD is still active or not.

[Carby]

Tell them they can have all the contacts back.

[sherryberry]

Direct debit is still active. They just haven't collected. Am in negotiations as suggested by "Loosehead" and they seem to be playing ball.

Having contacts back is quite a funny suggestion but not really valid since I've used them all!!!!

Thank you all for your help.