Direct Debit early collection
We are aware of an issue affecting direct debit payments to South Essex Homes, which has meant that some tenants have had their rent payment taken early from their bank accounts today (Thurs 5th Sep). These payments should have been taken on Monday 9th September.
This was caused by an administrative error and has affected all tenants who pay their rent by weekly or fortnightly direct debit, where the next payment was due on Monday 9th September.
We are unable to reverse these transactions taken early and any refund would not guarantee the funds will be back in affected bank accounts ahead of the scheduled payment due date (Monday 9th September) so, unfortunately, we are unable to take any actions to rectify the situation.
Those payments will therefore be held on affected rent accounts and will show as an early payment on the next rent statement.
For those affected by this error, please be assured that no further monies will be claimed on Monday 9th September and normal payments will resume as from the next scheduled payment date (Mon 16th Sep for weekly payments or Mon 23rd Sep for those who pay fortnightly).
Should any affected tenants require this transaction to be reversed urgently, please contact your bank, where you should be able to submit an indemnity claim under the Direct Debit Guarantee. If you do this, you will then need to make a manual payment for the rent due on Monday 9th September.
Should you receive any additional charges from your bank caused by this early payment (eg overdraft/returned direct debit fees), please email details with evidence (eg screenshots) to Incomemanagement@seh.southend.gov.uk and we will reimburse you in due course. If you are struggling financially, then please contact us using the same email address or call us on 0800 0234057 where we will be happy to provide advice and assistance.
May we take this opportunity to apologise for any worry or inconvenience caused by this administrative error. Please be assured that we have taken steps to ensure this error is not repeated in the future.