ROAR Insights Members

Published by: Independent Water Commission Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The report presents the most comprehensive review of the UK water sector since privatisation, emphasising a strategic 'reset' to restore public confidence and attract investment. A long-term, cross-sectoral National Water Strategy with a 25-year horizon is recommended for England and Wales, underpinned by statutory reporting and interim milestones. The current framework for water planning is overly complex, with a key suggestion to establish regional (or national in Wales)… Read more

Published by: Financial Conduct Authority Search for original: Link ey Take Aways The survey reveals that 84% of UK adults hold or have held credit or loans recently, maintaining high engagement levels despite fluctuating economic conditions. Mainstream credit products, notably credit cards (65%) and overdrafts (21%), continue to dominate consumer borrowing, with significant increases in credit card possession among the older population. Usage of high-cost credit has increased modestly, now held by 6.4% of adults, with payday loans and rent-to-own… Read more

Published by: Financial Conduct Authority Search for original: Link ey Take Aways The Consumer Duty establishes a proactive, outcome-focused standard requiring firms to prioritise delivering good outcomes for retail customers across the entire product lifecycle. It comprises a Consumer Principle 12, supported by cross-cutting rules around acting in good faith, avoiding foreseeable harm, and enabling customers to pursue financial objectives. Firms must identify and comprehensively monitor customer outcomes, analysing data and customer feedback to detect poor outcomes or systemic issues.… Read more

Published by: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Employer confidence is at its lowest outside of pandemic conditions, impacting strategic workforce planning. The net employment balance has suffered its steepest quarterly decline since 2014, signalling increased caution among employers. One in four organisations plans to make redundancies in the next three months, a level rarely seen outside the pandemic period. Confidence across sectors is waning, with private sector net employment expectations falling sharply… Read more

Published by: Financial Conduct Authority Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The FCA is consulting on regulation for Deferred Payment Credit (DPC), also known as unregulated Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL); regulation will commence from July 2026. DPC products are interest-free, repayable in 12 or fewer instalments within 12 months, and currently operate outside FCA regulation, posing consumer protection risks. The proposed regulatory regime aims to improve consumer information, assessment of creditworthiness, and treatment during financial difficulty, relying on… Read more

Published by: Credit Services Association Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Public sector debt recovery practices have historically favoured the government, often at the expense of fair and compassionate treatment for those in debt. The recent government initiatives, including increased staffing at HMRC and new enforcement measures, signal a move towards more aggressive debt recovery in the public sector. There is a recognised imbalance between private and public sector debt recovery, with private sector entities benefiting from more flexible… Read more