Borrowers
The following issue updates are available for Borrowers.
Bankruptcy - personal
21 July 2008 | The new rules on personal insolvency were brought in under the Enterprise Act 2002 and came into effect on 1 April 2004. The rules are intended to stimulate enterprise by removing some of the barriers to entrepreneurial risk taking, including reducing the stigma of bankruptcy.
Claims Management Companies
28 November 2008 | This page provides information about claims management companies and how they are regulated by the Ministry of Justice.
Credit reference agency searches
21 November 2008 | This web page provides guidance on the use of searches and leaving "footprints" on consumers' credit files.
Debt arrangement scheme
22 October 2008 | This update looks at the debt arrangement scheme (DAS), a debt management tool which was introduced in Scotland in November 2004 for people with two or more debts who could pay what they owe given more time.
Financial capability
21 November 2008 | This page summarises the various initiatives announced by the Government and the Financial Services Authority, which are designed to enhance consumers' understanding of financial services.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
27 November 2008 | This page briefly describes the Financial Services Compensation scheme and summarises recent consultations concerning the operation of the scheme.
FSA buy-to-let thematic review
10 November 2008 | The FSA has shared with lenders a summary of the findings of its thematic review of buy-to-let lending.
FSA's consumer responsibility discussion paper
22 December 2008 | This page provides a summary of the Financial Services Authority's discussion paper on consumer responsibility.
Homeswaps
29 December 2008 | This policy issue tells you about the Homeswap schemes being used by a number of local authorities in regeneration areas.
Housing and Regeneration Act 2008
31 October 2008 | The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 was introduced as a Bill in November 2007 and passed through Public Committee (January 2008) and Report (31 March 2008) stages. It passed through the Lords for second reading stage on 28 April 2008 and Report on 30 June 2008 finally reaching Royal Assent on 22 July 2008. The main purpose of the Act is to establish a new housing and regeneration body to be known as the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to improve the supply and quality of housing in England and to abolish the existing regulator of housing associations (HA), setting up a new one, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA).
Low-cost home-ownership
16 December 2008 | Updated to include details of the Homebuy Direct low cost home ownership (LCHO)scheme.
Mortgage Code
21 November 2008 | This page provides a background note on the history of the Mortgage Code.
Possessions register
6 August 2008 | Provides background and guidance on the CML possessions register.
Right-to-buy (RTB)
24 July 2008 | This paper provides background information on right-to-buy (RTB)and offers an overview of recent changes.
Shortfalls on interest-only mortgages
21 November 2008 | On 19 May 2006, the FSA published its consumer fact sheet "Will your investment or savings plan pay off your mortgage?". The fact sheet provides information to consumers facing a shortfall at the end of the mortgage term.
Steering Committee on Reciprocity (SCOR)
30 July 2008 | Provides an overview of SCOR and the Principles of Reciprocity.
Treating customers fairly: responsibilities of providers and distributors
21 November 2008 | This page summarises the key points raised in an FSA discussion paper (DP06/4) published on 28 September 2006, and the subsequent Policy Statement (PS07/11) which was published in July 2007.
