Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced a 13% increase in the energy price cap for the period covering 1st July to 30th September 2026. The price cap refers to the default tariff applied when a customer has not signed for a fixed-rate tariff. It sets a maximum rate per unit and a standing charge that can…
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Energy bills are forecast to rise by £209 to £1,850 a year for a typical dual fuel household from July, according to Cornwall Insight’s final forecast for the July – September 2026 Default Tariff Cap (price cap), released following the close of the observation window on 18th May. The new cap would represent an increase…
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Energy regulator Ofgem has announced it closed its investigation into British Gas on its treatment of customers who had a prepayment meter (PPM) installed without their permission, with consumers set to benefit from the settlement agreement made with the regulator. Ofgem’s investigation concluded that British Gas failed to meet the standards required of an energy…
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Water companies are failing to win back customers’ trust amid deepening concerns over the fairness and affordability of water bills, a new report has revealed. Trust in water companies across England and Wales has reached a new low, according to the Consumer Council for Water’s (CCW) annual Water Matters report, which has been tracking household…
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Billpayers are set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator, under reforms of its remit set out by the Government. The transformation will empower the energy regulator, Ofgem, to ensure energy consumers are treated fairly, including measures to guarantee good market practice. This is the first major update to Ofgem’s scope since the regulator was…
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Rising 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…
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Credit 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…
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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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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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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 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 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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