Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
Consumer card spending grew by 1.9% year-on-year in June, a marked improvement on May’s 0.8 per cent growth, but below the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.0%. Non-essential spending increased 1.7%, while growth in essential spending reached a 14-month high, up 2.2%. The uplift was driven by a combination of stabilising consumer confidence, warm and…
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The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector will come under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from today (Wednesday 15th July), seeing the launch of stronger protections in place for consumers. New YouGov polling commissioned by StepChange reveals the increasing popularity of BNPL products, but raises the concern that many are using it…
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New research from Compare the Market suggests that fear of being turned down for credit is preventing millions of people from applying for financial products altogether, as new Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) affordability checks are introduced across the UK. BNPL providers will be required to carry out affordability and creditworthiness checks before approving credit,…
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New analysis from debt advice provider PayPlan, has revealed that Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) usage among its customers across the UK has increased by 3,793% between 2020 and 2025, highlighting the growing role the credit product is playing in household finances. The findings reveal a significant awareness gap when it comes to the new…
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A new report by the Treasury Committee has found that students were not told clearly enough that loan terms could change retrospectively, and called for a U-turn on the decision to freeze the income threshold at which some graduates start repaying their loans. The report also says that the Government has a moral obligation to…
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UK households and businesses received £69 billion of new finance from Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) members in the first five months of 2026, up 4% on the same period last year, according to new figures published today. The new figures are being released at the same time of the FLA’s first Impact Report. The…
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New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 3% in April 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. In the first four months of 2026, new business in this market was 5% higher than in the same period in 2025. The credit card and…
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New data from Standard Life has found that nearly a quarter (23%) of Gen Z adults say they’re not focused on saving for retirement because they expect to inherit money or property The datas showed rge nearly one in four (23%) Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) say they are not prioritising retirement saving…
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New data from Updraft has suggested that the average person in the UK has £1,400 in credit card debt in 2026, and will pay £342 on interest this year alone – yet 82% haven’t consolidated their debt. The new figures, based on an analysis of Bank of England and ONS data, show that the average…
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Brits are projected to splash out an estimated £6.6 billion on spontaneous spending while on holiday abroad this year as they look to make the most of their overseas breaks, research from savings app Spring has revealed. A survey of 2,000 Brits found that 79% of holidaymakers admit to spending extra on spontaneous purchases while…
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Mortgage activity continued to moderate in May as search volumes declined across all major lending categories, according to the latest Mortgage Market Snapshot from Twenty7tec. The data shows total mortgage searches reached 1,590,911 during May 2026, down 7% compared with April and 15% lower than May 2025. Residential searches totalled 1,341,508, representing a 7% monthly…
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A new report from Pensions UK has warned that most workers are not saving enough for even a ‘moderate’ lifestyle during retirement. The Retirement Living Standards report argues that rising bills have pushed a moderate retirement, priced at £32,700 a year for one person or £45,400 for a couple, further out of reach, with only…
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Latest Bank of England data has shown that mortgage approvals reached a 15-month high of 65,900 in April, a 3% increase from March. Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals fell to £4.4 billion in April, from £6.8 billion in March, below the previous 6-month average of £5.1 billion. Approvals for remortgaging were broadly unchanged…
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