Policy and Government

CAP has responded to the Money Advice Service’s (MAS) latest consultation, which seeks to improve the availability, quality and consistency of debt advice across the UK. The consultation looked at 24 opportunities for change, such as creditor behaviour, gaps in provision and bankruptcy. We believe that greater fairness in government debt collection should be a top priority, as well as opportunities concerning bankruptcy. Action is needed to ensure those with no assets and low incomes can access a debt solution without the cost trapping them in debt. Read our full response below.

Dawn Stobart, Director of External Affairs, sat on the Vulnerable Customers panel at Credit Summit in March. Credit Summit is the UK’s largest daytime event for the credit industry. The panel included representatives from Nationwide, Dollar UK, Money Advice Trust and Target Group, as well as vulnerability specialist Chris Fitch. They discussed topics including defining vulnerability, current strategies for improved customer journeys, as well as best practice for communication and engagement. The panel discussion was well received, with many people acknowledging CAP’s work within the credit industry.

External Affairs' Daniel Kelly was interviewed this morning on BBC Breakfast News about the Taking Control campaign for fundamental bailiff reform. This was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the campaign as it was launched, and was supported by other media appearances by Money Advice Trust and StepChange on Radio 4’s Today Programme, as well as both ITV and Channel 5 News. Watch Daniel’s interview here.

CAP has joined Advice UK, Money Advice Trust, StepChange, The Children’s Society and Z2K in releasing a report that calls for reform of current bailiff practices and independent regulation of the sector. This comes three years after the 2014 changes to bailiff law in England and Wales which has had limited success and is overdue for a review. The report suggests seven key recommendations for the bailiff industry, such as a clear complaints procedure, a fee structure that incentivises good practice, and better identification and protection of vulnerable people. The report details evidence of current problems with the industry and explores the benefits of further reform, see more here.

CAP has responded to Ofgem’s latest consultation on changes to the Standards of Conduct for suppliers in the retail energy market. The consultation looked at various changes to these Standards at Ofgem move to principles based regulation, which presented opportunity to improve consumer protections. CAP strongly supports the introduction of a broad vulnerability principle maintaining the Fairness Test, which provides a consistent benchmark for treating customers fairly and will set accommodating the needs of customers in vulnerable situations at a high level priority. However, there is a need for greater clarity of the term ‘unreasonable detriment’ to ensure that suppliers understand Ofgem’s expectations. To read our full response click below.