Policy and Government

CAP has responded to Ofgem's latest statutory consultation on a temporary vulnerable customer safeguard tariff. We welcomed the call for suppliers to protect vulnerable customers from paying higher prices and were pleased to see its imminent introduction in February of next year. We were concerned, however, that the temporary safeguard tariff does not address the deeper affordability problems, particularly because it is only available to those in receipt of Warm Home Discount. To read more of our response, please click below.

CAP welcomes Ofgem's announcement to cap the fees for a forcibly installed pre-payment meter. From January the maximum charge will be capped at £150, having previously cost up to £900. The most vulnerable, including those in severe financial despair, will see their charges waived completely. Ofgem have also announced that installation will be prohibited if customers have extreme cases of mental ill-health, even if a client consents, but would find the experience severely traumatic. This news is particularly encouraging to see as CAP has played a part in highlighting this issue through discussions and consultations on the topic.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has been mentioned in Ofgem’s latest consumer vulnerability report. The report explores the extent to which vulnerable consumers are experiencing positive outcomes in the retail energy market, concluding that the industry should respond to the findings and drive up their own standards. CAP’s Offline and shut out and Poor pay more briefings were cited, as well as our Client report. We were also mentioned as being one of the third parties working with suppliers, to help provide direct, impartial financial advice and support.

Click here to read the full report.

The FCA has proposed changes to their rules and guidance on assessing creditworthiness in consumer credit and CAP has responded to their consultation. CAP agrees with the fundamental changes to the rules and guidance, which aims to reduce financial distress caused by being granted unaffordable credit. We welcomed the FCA's approach to assessing creditworthiness, but were cautious about how thorough firms will be, encouraging the FCA to review the changes in the future. To view our full response, click below.

DAS is pioneering in the statutory protections it offers, but we are concerned that it does not provide debt relief for those with multi-complex needs who do not have stable circumstances. In practice, it leaves room for more collections, reassignment and enforcement than expected and those in vulnerable situations often experience continued anxiety and risk further financial detriment. Take a look at our recommendations to the AiB in the form of this briefing: capuk.org/settingthepace