Ofwat is the economic regulator of water and sewerage services in England and Wales. Complaints about billing and charging account for 54% of complaints to Ofwat and the sector's consumer body, the Consumer Council for Water. Inaccurate direct debits results in the customer making payments and then having to retrieve the money from their water company.Ofwat are clear that inappropriate sums should not be taken via direct debit without the customer's consent. The Direct Debit Agreement operated by BACS requires water companies to notify customers in advance of a debit if the amount, date or frequency is to change. BACS will seek to resolve disputes on behalf of customers if they consider a direct debit has been made without their consent.Ofwat expects companies to respond in a timely and appropriate manner if a customer disputes their bill or payment.