Early December Debit Orders - Too bad, it's happening!

Have had this issue for years - changing the date of debit orders to an earlier date in December. Managed to cancel it last year. This year I got no message no nothing and now "Sorry for the inconvenience" is all I get and that my account will be debited and then refunded in 24 hours. This is down right ridiculous. The message should not even be a factor in this. They could always send a message asking and if they don't get confirmation DON'T DO IT.