Here's the deal:
I bought accounting software. All good. I found out I only got updates by taking out a service agreement. I did that (around £300). I then got an invoice for this year coming. I contacted them and said I didn't wish to continue with the service agreement, as the price didn't really cover small updates that would be free on other applications, and that I no longer needed. I was very polite!
I got a reply (very polite and nice) saying that the agreement renewal was mandatory, was done in advance and needed 3 months written notice to cancel it.
This is indeed written in the invoice (I missed it).
However - I'd have thought that regardless of the T&C, consumers' rights would take precedence, and
1) An agreement renewal can't be mandatory, as it's a renewal, and both sides must agree. It can be automatic unless stated otherwise, but not mandatory. (am I right or not?)
2) I can see why I'd need to give three months notice to cancel mid-agreement, but the point of renewing and agreement, is that (as above) it's an AGREEMENT that needs to be RENEWED. A consumer can surely say - at the point of renewal - I no longer want this and do not wish to renew?
All kind advice accepted.