Consumers head into 2018 with over two thousand pounds of debt

21st December 2017 Consumer Collections |

As 2018 fast approaches, new data from MoneySuperMarket reveals that the average Brit will see in the New Year with over two thousand pounds (£2,172) of debt hanging over their heads. Despite 55 percent of Brits feeling confident that they will stay within budget this Christmas, the leading price comparison website reveals that eight in 10 would…

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Government launches Small Business Commissioner to resolve payment disputes

21st December 2017 Commercial Credit Management |

The government has annnounced that it has launched a complaint handling service of the Small Business Commissioner to ensure fair payment practices for small businesses. This follows the appointment of Paul Uppal to the role of Small Business Commissioner. Regulations made by Small Business Minister Margot James mean the Commissioner can now handle complaints from small…

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Five banks unable to comply with Open Banking launch

21st December 2017 Consumer Collections |

Five banks have announced that they will fail to be able to fully comply with ‘Open Banking’ rules by the CMA’s deadline of 13 January 2018. The five banks are HSBC, Barclays, RBS, Bank of Ireland and Santander’s private banking unit Carter Allen. Under the changes, firms such as challenger or online banks will be granted…

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Energy standard variable tariffs “More needs to be done”

21st December 2017 Consumer Collections |

Ofgem had published a new league table comparing standard variable tariffs. Responding to the new league table, which ranks the ten largest suppliers according to how many customers are on poor value standard variable tariffs, Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said “Poor value default tariffs are ripping off loyal consumers and costing people up to…

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Mortgage sales increase by £637m in November

21st December 2017 Consumer Collections |

Mortgage sales in the UK rose by 4.1% (£637.4 million) in November, according to Equifax Touchstone analysis of the intermediary marketplace. Year-on-year sales were up 3.0% (£470.1 million). Buy-to-let sales for the month jumped 10.8% (£334.1 million) on October. Residential figures were also up, increasing 2.5% (£303.3 million) on the previous month. The majority of…

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10 big things that happened in the world of debt advice in 2017

21st December 2017 Industry opinion |

It has been quite some year for those of us working in debt advice – with debt hitting the headlines in a way not seen since the financial crisis, and services under pressure. If you’ve found it hard to keep track (like the rest of us!), here’s a round-up some of the key developments over…

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