Borrowers
The following issue updates are available for Borrowers.
Bankruptcy - personal
1 December 2009 | 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
9 July 2009 | This page provides information about claims management companies (CMCs) and how they are regulated by the Ministry of Justice. The members' section has been updated to include information about a guidance note produced by the Claims Management Regulator on the use of misleading statements or omissions by CMCs.
CML Cymru: developments in retail policy and lending
10 June 2009 | This page provides an update on developments in retail policy and lending issues in Wales and the work of the CML Cmyru.
Consumer Credit Act; OFT consultation on guidance for second charge lending
1 December 2009 | The OFT has published a consultation on guidance for brokers and lenders on second charge lending. The closing date for responses is 8 May 2009.
Credit reference agency searches
9 July 2009 | This web page provides guidance on the use of searches and leaving "footprints" on consumers' credit files.
Debt arrangement scheme
23 December 2009 | 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
9 July 2009 | 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
22 February 2010 | This page briefly describes the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and summarises recent consultations concerning the operation of the scheme. The members section has been updated to include the FSCS levies for 2010/11 and some guidance on the treatment of offset mortgages.
FSA buy-to-let thematic review
1 December 2009 | 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
9 July 2009 | This page provides a summary of the Financial Services Authority's discussion paper on consumer responsibility.
Homeswaps
17 August 2009 | 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
23 February 2010 | 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
3 February 2010 | Updated to include details of the new shared ownership leases to be implemented by 6 April 2010. The new leases give lenders additional protection and are an improvement on the existing house and flat shared ownership leases.
Mortgage Code
9 July 2009 | This page provides a background note on the history of the Mortgage Code.
Possessions register
10 February 2010 | Provides background and guidance on the CML possessions register.
Shortfalls on interest-only mortgages
9 July 2009 | 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.
The position of tenants when a landlord defaults on their mortgage
29 January 2010 | This page summarises the issues surrounding enforcement action by lenders when a property is tenanted. A private members bill has been introduced on this issue.
Treating customers fairly: responsibilities of providers and distributors
9 July 2009 | 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.
