CCTA comment on new report from Fair4All Finance

Published 23 May 2024

Commenting on Fair4All Finance’s new report “Access to credit & illegal lending”, the CCTA said: We welcome the publication of today’s report, which outlines the current state of access to credit for many and the impact of illegal lending. They are right to point out that the shape of the market is as important as its size.

Treasury Committee looks at the issue of de-banking

Published 20 May 2024

Earlier this month the influential Treasury Select Committee published their report into SME Finance. The Committee contains MPs from across the House of Commons, representing all major parties. The report was commissioned to look at the recent experiences of small businesses.

Technology – the pace of change is rapid

Published 07 May 2024

Developments in technology have been back in the news in recent weeks. Open Banking, the use of data and AI have all received mentions. Though they offer exciting possibilities, these new developments need to be balanced with the appropriate checks. We are all aware of the potential unintended consequences and the lag that can occur between innovation and necessary regulation.

FCA publishes Financial Lives Survey 2024

Published 15 April 2024

Last week the FCA published the findings of its Financial Lives Survey on the cost of living, conducted this January. The FCA uses the survey to explore the finances of UK consumers and how they would assess their own situation. The survey was carried out between December 2023 and January 2024, with under 3,500 respondents. The regulator reported that 7.

FOS Annual Plans and Budget published

Published 08 April 2024

Last week, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) published its final Plans and Budget for the forthcoming financial year, following a consultation that closed in January. This process takes place annually and allows for firms to feedback on plans the Ombudsman around the complaints process, and how the FOS intends to improve it.

Vulnerability must remain a central focus

Published 26 March 2024

We have written a few posts in recent months exploring the cost-of-living crisis, and the impact it is having on different consumers. Money worries continue to get a lot of coverage in the media, but we are also told about the recovering economic health of the country.

 The Budget – Do the sums add up for UK families?

Published 07 March 2024

Yesterday the Chancellor delivered the Spring Budget in Parliament. The purpose of the budget is to update Parliament on the state of the economy and to outline the Government’s proposals for changes to the tax system. This was arguably the last big economic event we will see from this Conservative government.

Is the cost-of-living crisis over?

Published 20 February 2024

Over the last few weeks, we have seen a lot of news pieces and data released about the country’s financial health and the associated impact on households. Inflation, recession, borrowing, spending, they have all been mentioned. Another phrase we have heard a lot in recent times is the ‘cost-of-living crisis’. We have been told we are in a cost-of-living crisis.

Next steps on the Consumer Duty

Published 09 February 2024

We are now into the seventh month since the implementation of the Consumer Duty. We know that many firms continue with their efforts and focus on meeting the requirements of the Duty and achieving improved consumer outcomes. No doubt firms will agree that it has been an intensive journey thus far.

What’s happening with motor finance commissions?

Published 01 February 2024

The issue of disclosure commission complaints is something we have been following in recent times as part of our work on motor finance. On the 11th January the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced that it would be undertaking work in the motor finance market – but on a different area- discretionary commission arrangements.

Changes in Home Credit

Published 22 January 2024

Back in the early noughties, the home credit market was under intense scrutiny for a lack of competition which led to the then Competition Commission investigating the sector. It was thought that it was difficult for consumers to compare products or switch between providers to find the best price.

A look ahead at 2024

Published 09 January 2024

2023 was a busy year for the consumer credit sector and the CCTA. It saw the introduction of the FCA’s Consumer Duty, new research into the impact of illegal lending and further engagement with our key stakeholders- the FCA, the FOS and HM Treasury on a range of issues. Here we explore some of the developments we expect in 2024.