News from Scotland
Some new changes and some tidying up of the old

Published 18 July 2023

The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill introduces a number of measures which modify current diligence (judgment enforcement) measures, to either improve them or clarify some of their provisions. However, perhaps of greatest impact to the credit industry will be the introduction of a mental health moratorium on debt recovery action should an individual have a mental illness.

Co-manufacturing – Consumer Duty
Co-manufacturing under the Consumer Duty

Published 18 July 2023

In this article we provide an overview of co-manufacturing under Consumer Duty and some of the primary considerations for consumer credit firms.

Brach of contract
What is a material breach?

Published 18 July 2023

Whether a breach of contract is ‘material’ (or ‘substantial’ – in this context, the terms are generally interchangeable) can be difficult to ascertain. But the answer can have a major impact on the consequences flowing from such a breach. The issue crops up often in commercial disputes.

Keeping up with the times
The impending review of the Consumer Credit Act

Published 18 July 2023

“Modernise, modernise, modernise!” seems to be the Government agenda for reform of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (CCA). It is widely agreed that the existing regime is outdated, complex and restrictive for both lenders and consumers alike and reform is needed to bring in legislation that is forward thinking and in line with the operation of today’s financial services market.

Rising to the occasion
Steps to maximise your membership

Published 18 July 2023

The start of the year was a busy time for CCTA membership, as many of our members came up for renewal during the first few months. I want to thank all of those that have renewed, and also pick up on some ideas about how you can fully utilse your membership.

The moving parts
A political review

Published 18 July 2023

The summer parliamentary recess is a good moment to appraise where we are in national politics and consider what might be in store for CCTA members in the second half of the year. It has been a tumultuous six months for the Prime Minister.

A helping hand
The CCTA Advice Line for members

Published 18 July 2023

As many of you know, I am the Head of Policy and Advice at the CCTA and much of my role entails support and guidance for our members. The publication of our magazine gives me the opportunity to update you all on key developments, not only within my role but across the CCTA as your trade association.

A seat at the table
A call for unity in fostering financial inclusion

Published 18 July 2023

Some allege we, at GAIN Credit, are the biggest villains in the UK. We have, in Lending Stream, one of the biggest high-cost lending books in the country. At least once a month someone, maybe a politician, maybe a charity spokesperson, calls us ‘loan sharks’ and demands our immediate banishment from the lending ecosystem. I don’t accept that portrayal.

The regulatory landscape
A CCTA update on access to credit

Published 18 July 2023

t the end of last month, we passed our anniversary. We were formed in 1891 by a small group of retailers and lenders that saw the need for new regulated credit products.

Braking point?
What the cost-of-living crisis means for the car finance sector

Published 17 July 2023

THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS IS CHANGING THE FACE OF DEBT “Problem debt only affects people on low incomes”. That’s a misconception we hear at StepChange Debt Charity on a regular basis. But now more than ever, it’s just not the reality we see every day.

Open banking in action
Greater flexibility and automation to benefit lenders

Published 17 July 2023

From streamlined collections for lenders to increased financial control and tailored repayment options for borrowers, including open banking payments as part of a customer-centric collections strategy is paving the way for a more inclusive and secure lending ecosystem.

Minister talks about access to credit

Published 20 April 2023

We are always interested in hearing from Andrew Griffith, Economic Secretary to the Treasury. He is also referred to as the city minister because financial services fall within his area of responsibility. So when he spoke at the Mansion House about Financial Literacy and Inclusion, it was good to hear him talking about the importance of access to credit.