The Credit Services Association (CSA) has set out ten challenges for how public sector recoveries and collections could evolve, to better support people in financial difficulty and improve outcomes for taxpayers. The new paper, published by the CSA, is titled ‘Ten key discussions in the debate around modernising public sector collections.’ The trade body for…
Read moreBritish households reduced non-essential spending last month due to rising fuel prices and uncertainty from the Iran war. According to Barclays’ consumer spending report, fuel spending rose 1.6% year-on-year, pushing essential spending up by 0.5%. However, non-essential spending growth slowed to 1.1%, with travel spending down 3.3% due to flight disruptions. Consumer card spending increased…
Read moreRising energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East will cause a drop in living standards for households, according to new analysis by the Resolution Foundation Despite some lower-income households receiving a long-overdue real-terms increase in their benefits, we now estimate – based on market-forecasts for the rise in energy prices consistent with…
Read moreNeither the Covid-19 pandemic nor the cost-of-living crisis produced significant deterioration in average collections on established paying portfolios, according to analysis by credit management firm Intrum. Using advanced econometric techniques, Intrum examined the performance of proprietary portfolios of defaulted debt between 2016 and 2025. The analysis examined the influence of macroeconomic variables (such as real…
Read moreCredit Connect has announced the shortlist of companies and partnerships for this year’s third annual Credit & Collections Industry Awards. The finalists for this year’s awards consist of 108 entrants (whittled down from nearly 115 entries) from nearly 80 companies within the shortlist. There are over 20 partnership entries in the running to win across…
Read moreNew Barclays research shows that a long‑standing reluctance to talk about money continues to affect how confidently adults manage their household finances. While many avoid financial conversations – often reflecting attitudes shaped in childhood – there is growing recognition that being more open can make a real difference. With six in ten adults (59 per…
Read moreOfgem’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…
Read moreA 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…
Read moreA 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…
Read moreLatest monthly figures from the Insolvency Service for England & Wales have indicated that personal insolvencies increased by 18% when comparedby February 2025 and 6% higher than in January 2026, totalling 11,609 insolvencies. The personal insolvency data consisted of 768 bankruptcies, 4,210 debt relief orders (DROs) and 6,631 individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs). The 6,631 IVAs registered in…
Read moreNew 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…
Read moreDebt 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%…
Read moreConsumer sentiment has dropped sharply since the conflict in the Middle East escalated, according to a survey by Barclays. The survey found that around 80% of consumers are concerned that the conflict will increase inflation and energy costs. Nearly half of the respondents said they had already started adjusting their spending behaviour. The data showed…
Read more