ROAR-Insights Available

Insights ¦ Water Single Social Tariff Report

Published by: Independent Age Search for original: Link Key Take Aways A significant proportion of older adults on low incomes in England and Wales are experiencing water poverty, with current estimates around 750,000 pensioner households, rising potentially to 1 million by 2029/30. There is broad public support (over 70%) in both England and Wales for introducing a single, standardised social tariff for water bills to address regional disparities. Existing social tariffs are inconsistent across water companies, creating a postcode lottery… Read more

Insights ¦ Debt strategy A ‘reset’ and ‘reform’ for customers in debt

Published by: Ofgem Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The energy sector is experiencing unprecedented levels of debt due to the recent energy crisis, necessitating bespoke rather than generic solutions. A potential debt relief scheme, targeting vulnerable consumers, could involve a £0.5 to 1bn fund aimed at resetting accumulated debt and restoring financial stability. The current handling of debt by energy suppliers is inconsistent, highlighting a need for standardised standards, including a proposed ‘debt guarantee’ and ‘debt outcome’. An… Read more

[INSIGHTS]: Ofgem Debt Strategy – Next Steps

Ofgem published their Debt Strategy back in 2024 and have just released a proposal on their debt relief scheme (below). Updates in the Autumn.https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/call-for-input/debt-strategy-next-steps The energy crisis has led to unprecedented levels of household energy debt, necessitating industry-wide reset and reform.A targeted £0.5–1bn debt relief scheme is proposed to assist vulnerable customers in severe hardship, aiming to reduce accumulated debt from the crisis period.There is an urgent need to establish a ‘debt guarantee’ to standardise customer support, ensuring proactive, compassionate,… Read more

EVENT SUMMARY ¦ Credit and Collections Technology Think Tank: Spring 2025

Remember to take part:The 2025 Spring Benchmarking Study Another great day yesterday at the Credit Connect Think Tank.Many thanks to the Credit Connect team for organising such a fabulous event during the day and evening. Loads of ideas and new ways of thinking… a couple of highlights➡️ How do we use AI… not to find a needle in the haystack, but to remove some of the hay➡️ The importance of focusing on good customer outcomes and being able to evidence… Read more

Insights: Water industry hardship scheme comparison

Great report and post from Money Wellness group, comparing hardship schemes across the water industry. Some interesting obserations at a summary level.https://www.moneywellness.com/blog/every-water-companys-hardship-scheme-and-how-to-get-help-with-your-bill Summary of Tariff Schemes: CompanyTariff SchemeMaximum DiscountIncome ThresholdKey EligibilityAffinity WaterLIFTBill capped at £95.80/year£19,995/yearLow income or benefit recipientsAnglian WaterLITE/Extra LITE50%Income proportionateIncome vs. bill ratioBournemouth WaterWaterCare85%Water poverty (>5% disposable income)Water poverty statusBristol WaterAssist/WaterCare88%Means-tested benefits or low incomeSpending >5% income on billsDŵr Cymru WelshHelpUVariable reduction<£19,100/yearIncome + means-tested benefitsCambridge WaterAssure Safer60% (first year)<£22,011 (+£1,500 per child)Low income, meteredEssex & SuffolkLow-income discount40%<£26,000/yearIncome vs.… Read more

EVENT SUMMARY+ ¦ Credit and Collections Technology Think Tank 2024

2024 Collections Benchamarking An interesting dicussion that the Credit and Collections Technology Think Tank for 2024. Certainly some bit themes around data, transparency of process and honesty in communication, all to build trust with customers over the longer term. Regulation and regulatory compliance was a big topic, reflecting the volume of change underway. Likely to continue as a theme into 2025.The Global Collections Benchmarking study is also out. If you would like a copy of the 2023 report and would… Read more