DEMSAPlus

What you need to know this week Government confirms 1.2% average annual real-terms increase in departmental spending between 2025/26 and 2028/29. Local Government DEL to rise from £15bn in 2025/26 to £15.8bn by 2028/29. HMRC receives £500m to deliver 90% digital self-service by 2029/30. 2,400 new HMRC debt management staff and 5,500 compliance roles confirmed. £1.9bn investment in cross-department digital and AI transformation announced. NHS England to be merged into the Department of Health and Social Care by 2025/26. Valuation… Read more

What you need to know this week The FCA is reviewing motor finance commissions, with potential for a redress scheme affecting over 2 million customers. NatWest suffered a major outage, highlighting continued risks to operational resilience in essential financial services. HSBC UK CEO underscores the sector’s high cybersecurity costs and focus. ICO released new guidance on data breaches and launched a strategy on AI and biometrics regulation. Lowell’s Financial Vulnerability Index shows vulnerability at its highest since the pandemic. Ofwat… Read more

What you need to know this week Average UK private rents increased 7.4% year-on-year to £1,335 as of April 2025. A revised IVA Protocol will take effect from 1 July 2025, with significant safeguards for consumers. 4,000 individuals may still claim DRO-related refunds via the Insolvency Service. Ofgem mandates £18.6m in redress for unauthorised prepayment meter installations affecting 40,000 customers. FCA updates 11,000 firm requirements and permissions, impacting over 9,000 regulated entities. Aryza acquires Webio to accelerate AI integration across… Read more