Insights ¦ Cost of living: wave eight

Published by: Ofwat Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Nearly half of water bill payers (47%) report difficulty paying household bills ‘sometimes’ or more often, with stability over the past year. One in six (17%) water bill payers currently struggle with their water bill; concern about water costs remains high at 32%. Awareness of financial assistance for water bills remains steady at approximately 34%, but actual receipt of support is lower at 8%. Younger consumers (18-34) show higher trust… Read more

Insights ¦ 2025 consumer digital index

Published by: Lloyds Banking Group Search for original: Link Key Take Aways Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a central component in personal finance, with almost one-third of UK adults using AI tools weekly for managing their money, leading to reported annual savings of £399. Digital engagement across the UK has reached near-universal levels, with 95% of adults online, and significant improvement among older generations—86% of those aged 60+ are now internet users. Financial confidence correlates strongly with digital capability; those… Read more

Insights ¦ Cost of living: Getting extra help

Published by: UK Regulators’ Network (UKRN) Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The UK government offers debt deferral schemes such as Breathing Space in England and Wales, and a similar Statutory Moratorium in Scotland, providing 60 days respite from creditor action to eligible individuals. Northern Ireland is exploring similar provisions. Free debt advice is available through locator services like MoneyHelper, which connects consumers to local agencies and charities offering support. Communications providers are mandated to consider customers’ financial situations,… Read more

Insights ¦ maps-standards-2025-2

Published by: The Money and Pensions Service Search for original: Link Key Take Aways The MaPS Standards have been approved by the FCA, reflecting a significant milestone in regulating consumer-facing financial guidance services. These standards are designed to ensure high-quality, consistent delivery of information, advice, and guidance, especially for consumers in vulnerable circumstances. They emphasise designing accessible, inclusive services that actively involve consumers and consider their specific needs from inception. A channel-agnostic approach is central, meaning standards apply across face-to-face,… Read more

Insights ¦ Household Finance Review – Q3 2025

Published by: UK Finance Search for original: Link Key Takeaways Despite household sentiment remaining weak due to economic uncertainties, retail spending and borrowing demonstrated growth in Q3 2025. Growth in retail store spending is driven by gradual wage increases helping household disposable income recover post the cost-of-living crisis. House purchase mortgage lending resumed growth in Q3, stabilising after initial disruptions caused by Stamp Duty adjustments earlier in the year. Affordability pressures remain high, but modest regulatory flexibility is supporting increased… Read more

KEY THEMES+ ¦ DEMSA Summary

What you need to know this week UK economic output contracted by 0.1% in October 2025, with output also down 0.1% over the three months to October, underscoring a fragile growth outlook for 2026.Supply-side disruption continues to affect manufacturing: the Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack remains a drag on production, with only a modest October recovery.Market expectations remain for a further cut in interest rates, but the narrative of investment-led growth in 2026 is not yet supported by clear confidence indicators… Read more