What would be in the CCTA Manifesto?

Published 02 July 2024

As we head towards polling day for the general election on the 4th of July, we have now seen the manifestos from all the main political parties. The purpose of a manifesto is to outline the steps a party would take, if they get the opportunity to form a government.

FOS consults on charging CMCs

Published 10 June 2024

A general election wasn’t the only announcement we saw in late May. The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) also published its next consultation on plans to move forward with charging professional representatives, including Claims Management Companies (CMCs), to access their service. We, along with many CCTA members, responded to the last consultation calling for action to be taken.

The general election and a possible change in government

Published 30 May 2024

On the 22nd of May, Rishi Sunak surprised most of the UK by calling a General Election to take place on the 4th of July. Much of the political world thought it would take place in the autumn, but there was a growing sense that this was as good as it would get for the Conservatives.

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.