Voluntary NI Contributions not being taken out of my bank account by direct debit.

I set up class 3 voluntary national insurance contributions last year, filled in the application form and set up a direct debit. They withdrew two contributions in December and January, then it just stopped. My mother passed away, so I did not check properly after January and I’ve realised they have taken no contributions out of my account for five months. Is this down to HMRC or my bank? My bank has also been unhelpful in not informing me and I have to chase them up with expensive phone calls, as I can’t seem to email them online. HMRC sent me a letter outlining the withdrawals for the next tax year in April, and that I wouldn’t need to do anything, but then continued not to take any money out of my account! Can anyone explain why this has happened?

Hi,
Sorry for the problems that you have experienced with your voluntary National Insurance contribution direct debit.  
If you could call our National Insurance Helpline on 0300 200 3500 (from the UK) or +44 191 2037010 (from overseas) then they will
be able to restart your direct debit and then discuss with you how you may catch up with the months that we have not collected.
Thank you.