New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that second charge mortgage new business volumes grew by 19% in January 2026. Commenting on the latest new business figures for the second charge mortgage market, Fiona Hoyle, Director of Consumer & Mortgage Finance and Inclusion at the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), said…
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The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) has announced new vulnerability standards for enforcement firms and agents. The Standards provide stronger protections for people in vulnerable situations. Over 7 million cases of unpaid debts are sent out for enforcement each year, with the industry recovering over a billion pounds, much of which is for the public purse. The ECB ensures that enforcement is done fairly,…
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A new report by Barclays has highlighted how student loans significantly impact graduates’ ability to save for home deposits. The study reveals that individuals with student debt save £310 monthly, while those without save £473.70 creating a £1,963.70 gap annually. Additionally, 44% of loan holders feel repayments hinder their financial stability, and 41% believe it prevents…
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New data by Age UK has found that more than one in four (28%) pensioners said they were struggling financially before war broke out in Iran, with energy being the main issue. Following on from the Government’s announcement this week providing £53m of support for oil-heated households, Age UK warns this package won’t be enough…
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New research from StepChange has shown that one in two people (51%) have experienced problem debt, with 44% of them telling no one about their financial struggles. The debt charity is urging people to talk more openly about debt to help break down stigma and encourage those struggling to seek free, confidential advice sooner. New…
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New research by Confused.com has found that almost half (48%) of people admit to lying to their partner about their financial situation in the past. With the cost of living crisis putting financial pressure on people it’s not surprising that money can sometimes cause issues in relationships. Over one in two (58%) partners argue about…
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Debt charity, StepChange, has warned that high levels of arrears across essential bills have become the ‘new normal’ for many households. Those on the lowest incomes are being hit hardest, often forced to juggle everyday living costs while trying to repay historic debts. The report reveals that in 2025, average household arrears are up 11%…
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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a review into the second charge mortgage market, finding that weaknesses in some firms’ practices could put borrowers, particularly those consolidating debt, at increased risk of financial harm. Second charge mortgages are often used by customers with high existing levels of debt and low financial resilience. The FCA’s…
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Lantern Group has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire specialist debt recovery law firm Ascent from Irwin Mitchell, subject to regulatory approval. The deal expands Lantern Group’s portfolio of regulated credit and recoveries businesses, which includes Lantern and Sonex. Ascent is recognised for its experience across collections and recoveries, litigation, enforcement, field…
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The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) says allowing five water companies to increase their customers’ bills even further will heap more pressure on households already struggling to absorb recent price hikes. CCW has responded to the final determinations of the Competition and Markets Authority which has ruled on the appeals made by five water companies – Anglian Water,…
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New Age analysis of DWP data has found that, despite the rise in women’s State Pension age, the number of female pensioners in the UK has fallen by 740,000 since 2010-11, while the number of women living in poverty has stayed steady at 1.1 million. Age UK warns that this is a failure of policy and…
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New research by StepChange Debt Charity reveals the long-term and harmful impact that coerced debt can have on someone’s credit record, in many cases preventing them from securing a home, mobile phone contract, car finance agreement, or even employment opportunities. Coerced debt is a form of economic abuse where the perpetrator coerces a victim into…
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New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that second charge mortgage new business volumes grew by 17% in 2025. Commenting on the latest new business figures for the second charge mortgage market, Fiona Hoyle, Director of Consumer & Mortgage Finance and Inclusion at the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), said “The…
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