Key changes to the Direct Debit Guide and Rules

Have you reviewed the recent key changes to the Direct Debit Guide and Rules? To help you stay on track, Bacs have recently summarised eight of the major changes below.

1. The rule requiring an automated link between a Paperless Direct Debit (PDD) service user and their outsourcing agent has been changed to a best practice recommendation.
2. The previous mandatory requirement for PDD service users to apply modulus checking at point of sale has changed to a best practice recommendation. It will be mandatory for PDD service users to apply modulus checking prior to submission of the 0N.
3. It must be apparent to the payer who is collecting Direct Debits, therefore the name of the service user must be made clear to the payer in the PDD scripts.
4. AUDDIS service users wishing to amend only the reference on a single Direct Debit Instruction (DDI) may do so by advising the payer in writing and submitting a 0C / 0N to amend the DDI.
5. Reason code 2 counter claim has been withdrawn, reason code 2 now forms part of the challenge process.
6. The value of a paper Direct Debit indemnity claim has been raised to £125,000.
7. Rules have been updated to mandate what corrective action must be taken by a service user where the majority of a Direct Debit file has been submitted in error.
8. A service user’s telephone number or email address may be included in the advance notice.

Please note these changes can also be found at the beginning of the Guide and Rules. To access the Guide and Rules follow this link to the Bacs website.

The Guide and Rules can be found on a password protected area of the Bacs.co.uk website. To access the Guide and Rules you will need to log onto a password protected area of the site, if you haven’t registered for your password then do so now.