Policy and Government

The majority of low income households cannot afford the cost of the energy they need to live safe, warm and well. Over half (55%) of CAP clients have rationed their energy at least occasionally in the last two years, with three in ten (29%) doing so weekly. CAP's latest report, A dark place, based on research from a survey of 1,000 CAP clients, as well as five focus groups, leaves no doubt that many people are starving themselves of heating, light, hot food and hot water to keep costs affordable. We must do more to ensure everyone can live safe, warm and well. To read the report, click below.

We welcomed the opportunity to feed into the CSJ's research project on the rise in debt owed to government authorities, as well as the quality of public bodies' debt collection practices. Whilst CAP acknowledges that government authorities have improved aspects of their debt collection approaches in recent years, the overall approach still remains problematic and inconsistent. To read more, click below.  

CAP welcomed the opportunity to respond to Ofcom's consultation on Treating vulnerable consumers fairly. This proposed guide was a great step towards better treatment of vulnerable customers, however, CAP is concerned that because it is only a proposed guide, it will be too light touch to see significant changes in the communications industry. 

We are pleased to respond to this Consumer Protection Programme call for evidence for the Utility Regulator. Our response gives examples of some of the best practice CAP has seen across Great Britain for the fair treatment of vulnerable customers, particularly within the elecrtic, gas and water industries. We look forward to seeing which priorities the Utility Regulator decides to take forward. To read our full response, please click below. 

CAP has released a new briefing paper, Unlocking a new start. The paper explores why insolvency alone does not always provide a new start for people in severe financial difficulty. With 130,000 people pursuing an insolvency solution each year, there needs to be more action to address the root causes of debt – in particular the amount of support available to help meeting rental costs. To read more click here.