Energy arrears levels increase by 18%

Ofgem’s latest debt and arrears data shows that total energy debt has risen once again and now stands at a record £4.55 billion for the period to the end of 2025, up 18% year on year. As essential bills like gas and electricity continue to drive the cost of living crisis, StepChange reveals that client…

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Energy bills could hit £1,929 in July

Data from Cornwall Insights has found that a typical gas and electricity bill is forecast to reach £1,929 a year from July under Ofgem’s quarterly price cap, up £288 (or 18%) from the current cap. The slight reduction in the forecast follows a partial steadying in wholesale markets after a pause in energy infrastructure strikes…

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InDebted appoints UK Managing Director

31st March 2026 Appointments | #appointments

Consumer debt recovery fintech, InDebted has announced the appointment of Rob Young as its UK Managing Director. Young will lead InDebted’s UK operations, he brings over two decades of leadership experience across fintech, credit, and technology-led financial services, including senior roles at Wonga and OnDeck, where he led international expansion across the UK, Canada, and…

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Capital left behind as household finances improve elsewhere

London is the only major city in Britain where household financial health is worsening, according to new research by Lowell. While financial pressure is beginning to ease across much of the country, London is not sharing in the recovery. Households in London are using up their savings: London is the only major city where emergency…

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HCEOA welcomes new draft enforcement regulations

The High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) has welcomed the laying before parliament of new Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026. The statutory instrument laid before parliament covers updates to the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 as part of Government’s balanced package of…

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Graduates who grew up in deep poverty earn £2,800 less than their peers

25th March 2026 Consumer Collections | #students

A graduate who grew up in deep poverty will earn 5%, over £2,800 a year, more than a more privileged peer working at the same firm with an equivalent degree a decade after graduation, highlighting the scarring effect of childhood poverty, according to new research published by the Resolution Foundation. The long shadow – funded…

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Council tax rises add to cost of living pressures

Council tax bills across England and Wales are expected to rise by an average of 5% as local authority finances are further stretched. Debt charity, StepChange says this will exacerbate existing cost-of-living pressures as household budgets are forced to stretch further. The debt charity is warning that the expected rise in council tax rates will…

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Third of renters’ monthly take home pay now goes straight to landlords

Renters are now handing over 39% of their monthly take-home pay to their landlords, on average. That’s the equivalent of two days a week worth of work being spent purely on rent according to new research by Confused.com home insurance, which found that the average monthly rent cost is now £839. Although for some, this…

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Second charge mortgage volumes grow by 19%

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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ECB launches new vulnerability standards for the enforcement sector

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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Student debt hinders home ownership

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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Government announces improved debt repayment support measures

The Government has announced that millions of people and businesses who owe money to the Government will benefit from more personalised and affordable repayment support under new plans to improve how debt owed to the public sector is managed. The 2026–2030 Government Debt Management Strategy outlines how departments will better use data and earlier engagement to help people who…

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‘Mum guilt’ costing families an extra £2,500 a year

20th March 2026 Consumer Collections | #spending

New research commissioned by subscription lender Creditspring found that more than three quarters of mothers (77%) have worried about money in the past three months because of child-related costs such as birthday parties, activities, clothes and days out. That compares with 70% of fathers. The research also suggests many mums feel responsible for managing these…

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