ROAR Insights.

Published by: The Centre for Social Justice Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Vulnerability among households in council tax collection is widespread, with 97% of those behind on payments exhibiting at least one sign of vulnerability across multiple drivers. The most common overlapping vulnerabilities include low resilience, negative life events, limited capability, and poor health, with 64% showing signs of at least two drivers. Vulnerability is both wide (many vulnerable individuals exhibit multiple traits) and deep (many display multiple… Read more

Published by: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The FCA has introduced a new regulatory reporting return aimed at consumer credit firms engaged in credit broking, debt adjusting, debt counselling, and credit information services, designed to improve data quality and supervision efficiency. The revised return will feature tailored questions across five core sections—permissions, business model, marketing, revenue, staff—plus specific permissions-based questions, aiming to clarify firms’ operational practices. Feedback from industry respondents led to a 27%… Read more

Published by: Equifax Limited Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The UK’s financial health in 2025 is shaped by ongoing economic headwinds, with consumers exhibiting resilience despite elevated debt levels and rising living costs. Full year mortgage originations in 2024 remain 24% below 2022 levels, highlighting persistent recovery challenges within the housing market. Consumer credit behaviour demonstrates increased confidence, with credit card activity surpassing pre-pandemic levels and a notable shift towards higher debt levels. Consumers are increasingly extending mortgage… Read more

Published by: Money Advice Trust Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The charity has successfully expanded its capacity, delivering over 271,900 advice interactions across National Debtline and Business Debtline in 2024, representing a 36% increase compared to 2023. The introduction of My Money Steps, a new digital advice platform, has enhanced online engagement, with over 7,000 users in its first six months and significant positive wellbeing impacts reported. The charity reports high client satisfaction, with Net Promoter Scores of… Read more

Published by: The Centre for Social Justice Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The market for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) has grown rapidly, with approximately 3 million UK households (11-12%) now owing money on Deferred Payment Credit (DPC) agreements, totalling an estimated £2.6 billion. The average borrowing per household on BNPL has increased from £761 in 2023 to £874 in 2024, suggesting growing consumer engagement. Most BNPL consumers borrow small amounts, with 66% borrowing £350 or less in… Read more

Published by: Financial Conduct Authority Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The FCA is extending its rules on non-financial misconduct (NFM) to non-banking financial firms, aligning non-bank and bank standards from September 2026. The regulatory amendments focus on behaviour such as bullying, harassment, and violence, recognising their critical role in cultural failings within firms. Guidance in the Code of Conduct (COCON) and the Fit and Proper (FIT) sourcebooks aims to support consistent application of conduct rules and assess individual… Read more