The number of direct debit payments to charity which fail have fallen, now amounting to just 1 per cent of scheduled payments.

The figures, released this week, show that direct debit non-payments dropped by 7 per cent in the second quarter of this year, while the number of direct debit payments to charity rose by 340,000 to 13 million.

Mike Hutchinson, head of marketing at Bacs which compiled the figures, said that charities need to remain flexible with donors who pay via direct debit.

“When presenting potential payment options, charities need to consider that not everyone is paid at the same time. Salaries and wages can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or even on an ad hoc basis so, what for one person is the perfect date to donate, may not be suitable for another,” said Hutchinson.

“Our experience shows that offering customers the option of various payment dates can cut down on unpaid direct debits and encourage sign-up.”