Regulation news in 2025
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- December 2025
Councils gain increased investigation powers under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
Councils in England have had increased investigation powers since 27 December 2025 to request documents, access third-party data and inspect properties in the private rented sector.
First changes under the Renters' Rights Act take effect
The Renters' Rights Act became law in October 2025 and some of its changes took effect from 27 December 2025, with the first phase of wider rules due from 1 May 2026.
Welsh Government publishes flood insurance consultation report
The Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee has published a consultation report and proposals on flood insurance in Wales, setting out a Welsh perspective on Insurance and Flood Re.
FCA and PSR jointly respond to HM Treasury's payments regulation recommendations
The FCA and the Payment Systems Regulator have jointly answered HM Treasury's November 2024 recommendations on payments regulation, publishing their response on 17 December 2025.
FCA publishes Mortgage Rule Review Feedback Statement and Roadmap with 2026 consultation areas
The FCA has published its Mortgage Rule Review Feedback Statement and Roadmap, setting out targeted reforms for first-time buyers and the self-employed and areas for consultation in 2026.
Consumer Scotland responds to FCA consultation on motor finance consumer redress scheme
Consumer Scotland has told the FCA's motor finance redress consultation that compensation should match court levels, that the scheme must be free to access and that lenders should chase customers.
Motor Insurance Taskforce final report published without action on low-income households
The Motor Insurance Taskforce has published its final report, and Fair By Design says it leaves low-income households facing the highest car insurance charges without action on targeted discounts.
FCA launches Firm Checker tool
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched Firm Checker, a tool for consumers to confirm whether a financial services firm is authorised and holds the permissions it needs, aimed at helping people avoid scams.
Resolution Foundation corrects Budget special welfare spending figure
The Resolution Foundation has corrected its Budget analysis, saying welfare policy over this Parliament cuts spending by £0.5 billion in 2029-30 rather than increasing it by £0.7 billion.
FCA confirms complaints pause will end on 31 May 2026
The Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that the pause on firms handling motor finance commission complaints will end on 31 May 2026, with lenders then required to respond to complaints.
Business and personal Standards of Lending Practice ended in 2025
The Lending Standards Board's business and personal Standards of Lending Practice both ended in 2025 as the body wound down, after the CRM Code closed in 2024 and the Access to Banking Standard in 2021.
Consumer credit borrowing slowed in December 2025
Bank of England figures show net consumer credit borrowing fell to £1.5 billion in December from £2.1 billion in November, with credit card borrowing down to £0.7 billion.
FCA aims to finalise new advice rules by end of 2025
The Financial Conduct Authority says it aims to finalise rules on targeted support and simplified advice by the end of 2025, with targeted support scheduled to launch in March 2026.
Public consultation on DWP Code of Practice opens
A public consultation on the Department for Work and Pensions Code of Practice for new benefit eligibility verification powers opened in December and runs until 27 February 2026.
- November 2025
DISP 2.7.7 guidance updated on APP fraud and pension beneficiary complaints
The Financial Conduct Authority has updated handbook guidance to confirm that Financial Ombudsman Service complaints can cover a firm's failure to prevent or respond to alleged authorised push payment fraud.
Government accepts LPC minimum wage recommendations at Autumn Budget
The Government accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommended minimum wage rates at the Autumn Budget on 26 November, raising the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over to £12.71 an hour from April 2026.
Government announces minimum wage rates for April 2026
The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission's recommendations in full, raising the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over to £12.71 an hour from April 2026.
Up-rating decisions announced to Parliament
The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026 raises the basic and new State Pensions by 4.8% and most working-age and disability benefits by 3.8% from April 2026, at a total cost of £11 billion.
Fair4All Finance responds to three consultations on FOS reform and redress modernisation
Fair4All Finance has published responses to three consultations on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service and modernising the UK redress system, backing closer FCA alignment and changes to case fees.
UK Government publishes Financial Inclusion Strategy
The Treasury published its Financial Inclusion Strategy on 5 November 2025, covering access to affordable financial products and compulsory financial education in primary schools in England.
Consumer Scotland responds to Ofgem consultation on lower standing charge tariffs
Consumer Scotland has backed a temporary Ofgem requirement for suppliers to offer a lower standing charge tariff, urging a two year review and warning that costs could be redistributed between consumers.
£130 energy bill discount announced from next year
The Chancellor has announced a £130 discount on energy bills from next year, funded for three years, with £55 set to be added back onto electricity bills in 2029-30.
Chancellor announces freeze of student loan repayment threshold at 2025 Budget
The Chancellor announced at the 2025 Budget that the student loan repayment threshold of £28,470 will be frozen for three years from April 2027, with a Treasury Committee inquiry into graduate taxation following in March 2026.
Ofgem publishes statutory consultation on a Debt Relief Scheme
Ofgem has published a statutory consultation on a Debt Relief Scheme, setting out proposals for targeted relief for households in the most acute energy debt.
PRA confirms final rules on deposit compensation limit increase
The Prudential Regulation Authority confirmed final rules in November 2025 raising the FSCS deposit compensation limit to £120,000, effective for firm failures from 1 December 2025.
- October 2025
Low Pay Commission submits 2026 minimum wage recommendations
The Low Pay Commission submitted its recommended minimum wage rates for April 2026 to the Government on 27 October 2025, proposing a National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over.
Renters' Rights Act 2025 receives Royal Assent
The Renters' Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, changing the law on rented homes in England, with most provisions due to take effect from 1 May 2026.
BSA publishes Budget submission warning against Cash ISA limit cuts
The Building Societies Association has told the Treasury that cutting the annual Cash ISA limit would penalise savers and could reduce mortgage lending and economic output.
Consultation on the review of the Financial Ombudsman Service closes
The government's consultation on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service, including a proposed 10-year absolute time limit for complaints, closed on 8 October 2025.
Consumer Scotland responds to HM Treasury consultation on the review of the Financial Ombudsman Service
Consumer Scotland has told HM Treasury it opposes a 10 year absolute time limit for Financial Ombudsman Service complaints, a merger of the ombudsman with the FCA, and new FCA referrals.
FCA launches consultation on proposed car finance redress scheme
The Financial Conduct Authority has opened a consultation on an industry-wide compensation scheme for motor finance customers overcharged on car finance deals taken out between April 2007 and November 2024.
Government consults on homebuying and selling reform
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has opened a consultation on reforming home buying and selling in the UK, covering upfront information, binding contracts and estate agent regulation.
Consumer credit borrowing decreases for second consecutive month
Bank of England data show net consumer credit borrowing fell to £1.1 billion in October, a second monthly decline, while mortgage approvals for house purchase also edged lower.
Energy price cap to rise 2% to £1,755 for Q4 2025
The Ofgem energy price cap for a typical household rises 2% to £1,755 a year for the final quarter of 2025, taking effect on 1 October.
Gingerbread delivers open letter on CMS to the Minister
Gingerbread has delivered an open letter signed by more than 1,600 supporters to Baroness Sherlock, the minister responsible for the Child Maintenance Service, setting out five principles for its consolidation.
PSR decides not to proceed with interim cap on cross-border interchange fees
The Payment Systems Regulator has dropped plans for a short-term cap on UK to EEA cross-border interchange fees, citing litigation over its powers, and will work on a longer-term cap instead.
Public Services Committee publishes Reforming the Child Maintenance Service report
The House of Lords Public Services Committee has published a report on reforming the Child Maintenance Service, calling for changes to calculations, enforcement and communication after an inquiry.
- September 2025
Consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme opens
The government has confirmed the Warm Home Discount will continue for a new five-year period from winter 2026/27 to 2030/31, after a consultation that ran from 25 September to 20 November 2025 and drew 93 responses.
Warm Home Discount Regulations amended by S.I. 2025/1031
The Warm Home Discount (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amended the England and Wales scheme rules on 18 September 2025, changing which supplier duties and Secretary of State powers continue after the scheme period ends.
Amendment inserts £39 million uplift to scheme year 15 spending obligation
The Warm Home Discount (Amendment) Regulations 2025, made on 17 September 2025, add £39 million to the Scotland scheme's final year spending obligation and extend the England and Wales rebate deadline.
Treasury answers parliamentary question on mis-sold car finance compensation
The Treasury told Parliament on 8 September 2025 that it is working with the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority on motor finance commission practices, after the Supreme Court clarified the law.
FCA consulted on draft rules for BNPL firms
The FCA has consulted on draft rules and guidance for buy now pay later firms, ahead of bringing deferred payment credit into its regulation from summer 2026.
Government announces consultation on homebuying reforms
The government has announced a consultation on homebuying reforms covering upfront property information, binding conditional contracts and regulation of estate, letting and managing agents.
- August 2025
Consumer Scotland responds to FCA consultation on targeted support for pensions and investment decisions
Consumer Scotland has published its response to the Financial Conduct Authority's consultation on targeted support, setting out evidence on the advice gap in pensions and investments.
Government publishes Low Pay Commission remit and updated National Living Wage estimates for April 2026
The Government has published the Low Pay Commission's remit for April 2026 minimum wage rates, alongside an updated central estimate that the National Living Wage would need to reach £12.71.
- July 2025
Affordability, explanation and switching policy rules revised
The Financial Conduct Authority has updated mortgage rulebook provisions on remortgaging without additional borrowing, covering the more affordable test, explanation and warning requirements, and internal switching policies.
FCA updated MCOB 4.8A execution-only sales rules
The FCA Handbook shows mortgage advising and selling rules in MCOB 4 carrying a 22 July 2025 date, including a new requirement for firms to identify execution-only customers who may need advice.
New rule on expired term customers took effect
A new Financial Conduct Authority rule took effect on 22 July 2025 requiring mortgage firms to deal fairly with customers whose mortgage term has expired with a balance still outstanding.
FCA publishes consultation paper CP25/23 on final rules for BNPL lenders
The FCA has published consultation paper CP25/23 setting out proposed rules for buy now pay later lenders, with regulation limited to third-party lender agreements and due to take effect on 15 July 2026.
ISA and CTF rule changes take effect for recognised funds, LTAFs and flexible ISAs
Rules covering Child Trust Funds, recognised funds, Long Term Asset Funds and flexible ISAs took effect on 15 July 2025, with separate National Insurance number requirements for ISA investors following in 2027.
2025 Order passed setting provisions for regulating BNPL products
The 2025 Order passed on 14 July 2025 sets provisions to bring interest-free buy now pay later products under Financial Conduct Authority regulation from 15 July 2026.
Bank of England introduces temporary exemption to the 15% loan-to-income limit
The Bank of England introduced a temporary exemption to its 15% cap on mortgages above 4.5 times income in July 2025, letting individual lenders exceed the limit if the market as a whole does not.
BNPL to come under FCA regulation
Buy Now Pay Later will come under Financial Conduct Authority regulation in July, the Centre for Responsible Credit has told the Treasury Committee, though it warns current affordability rules may not protect borrowers.
Energy price cap to rise by £221 (13%) from 1 July
The energy price cap rose by £221, or 13%, on 1 July, taking a typical household bill to £1,663 a year, with a further 4% rise confirmed for October.
Government consults on proposals to reform the FOS
The government has published its response to a consultation on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service, confirming plans for a 10-year complaint time limit and a narrower fair and reasonable test.
PRA and FCA amend Loan-to-Income flow limit rule to apply industry-wide
The Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority have changed the loan-to-income flow limit so the 15% cap on mortgages above 4.5 times income applies across the industry rather than to each lender.
- June 2025
Government launches consultation on council tax billing and collection in England
The government has opened a 12 week consultation on how council tax is billed and collected in England, covering payment schedules, enforcement, band challenges and bill transparency.
Government response to Warm Home Discount expansion consultation published
The Government has confirmed changes to the Warm Home Discount for winter 2025/26, removing the high cost to heat threshold in England and Wales and increasing spending in Scotland.
Government to exempt domestic premises suppliers from BNPL credit broking permissions
The government has decided to exempt businesses that sell goods and services in people's homes from needing credit broking permissions to offer buy now pay later as a payment option.
Chancellor announces £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme
The Chancellor announced £39 billion for a new ten-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review on 11 June 2025, with the government saying it could deliver around 300,000 affordable homes.
Pension Schemes Bill 2024-25 introduced in Parliament
The Pension Schemes Bill 2024-25 was introduced in Parliament on 5 June 2025, with 12 policies covering local government funds, defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, and the Pensions Ombudsman.
Amending regulations laid for 2025 to 2026 Warm Home Discount expansion
Amending regulations laid in June 2025 remove the high-cost-to-heat threshold for Warm Home Discount Core Group 2 in England and Wales and raise Broader Group funding in Scotland, with around 6 million households expected to receive the £150 rebate.
Guidance updated for DMCCA unfair trading provisions
Trading standards guidance pages for England, Scotland and Wales have been updated to reflect the coming into force of Part 4, Chapter 1 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
- May 2025
CP25/1 remedies consultation closes
The Payment Systems Regulator's consultation on remedies for the card scheme and processing fees market review closed on 28 May 2025, after findings that Mastercard and Visa raised core fees by at least 25% since 2017.
Ofgem announces new energy price cap with standard credit premium unchanged
Ofgem has announced a new energy price cap under which households that pay after receiving their bill will still pay £135 a year more than those paying by direct debit.
Government lays BNPL legislation and commits to reviewing approach to domestic premises suppliers
The government laid secondary legislation on 19 May 2025 to regulate interest-free buy now pay later products from July 2026, while committing to review how the rules treat businesses selling in customers' homes.
Government publishes BNPL consultation response and confirms it will bring BNPL into regulation
HM Treasury has published its response to the October 2024 consultation on draft BNPL legislation and confirmed it will lay the draft statutory instrument to bring buy now pay later products into regulation.
Equity Release Council launches Standards 2.0
The Equity Release Council launched Standards 2.0 in May 2025, adding a Consumer Charter and a product standard that waives early repayment charges for customers moving permanently into long-term care.
Government lays secondary legislation to bring BNPL under FCA regulation
The Government laid secondary legislation on 19 May 2025 to bring buy now pay later credit under Financial Conduct Authority regulation, with the regime due to start twelve months and one day after the legislation is made.
- April 2025
Minister signs off final stage Impact Assessment for BNPL regulation
The responsible minister signed the final stage impact assessment for buy now, pay later regulation on 28 April 2025, setting out costs to firms and planned consumer protections.
Deadline for PSPs to amend consumer terms and conditions to reflect reimbursement rights
The Payment Systems Regulator has confirmed that payment firms had until 9 April 2025 to update consumer contracts to reflect authorised push payment scam reimbursement rights introduced in October 2024.
CMA publishes guidance on its approach to direct consumer protection
The Competition and Markets Authority has published a 19-page document setting out how it will approach direct consumer protection under the new consumer protection regime.
Schedule 20 banned commercial practices come into force
Thirty-two commercial practices listed in Schedule 20 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 became unfair in all circumstances on 6 April 2025, under commencement regulations S.I. 2025/272.
CMA gains direct consumer enforcement powers
The CMA has opened an investigation into Microsoft 365 subscription changes, using consumer enforcement powers it has held since April 2025 to decide whether consumer law was breached.
Energy price cap rises to £1,849 for typical dual-fuel consumer
Ofgem's energy price cap rose 6.4% on 1 April 2025, taking the typical dual-fuel bill to £1,849 a year, as water, council tax and rail costs also increased.
- March 2025
PRA consults on raising FSCS deposit protection limit to £110,000
The Prudential Regulation Authority has proposed raising the FSCS deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £110,000 from 1 December 2025, with a higher limit for temporary high balances.
OBR to publish updated economic and fiscal forecasts
The Office for Budget Responsibility was due to publish updated economic and fiscal forecasts on 26 March 2025, with attention on the Chancellor's fiscal rule and planned cuts to disability benefits.
HM Treasury announces review of the Financial Ombudsman Service
HM Treasury has announced a review of the Financial Ombudsman Service, including its compensation practices, as the service consults on replacing its long-standing 8% interest rate on awards.
Stage 3 public consultation opens on proposals to reshape the regime
The independent Stage 3 review of Scotland's statutory debt solutions has published its final report, setting out 52 recommendations for Scottish Ministers after a consultation that ran from 12 March to 4 June 2025.
Final report of card scheme and processing fees market review published
The Payment Systems Regulator has published the final report of its market review into card scheme and processing fees, finding Mastercard and Visa raised core fees by at least 25% since 2017.
2025 Spring Statement balances the books largely through social security cuts
The Chancellor closed a £4.1 billion shortfall in the 2025 Spring Statement mainly through social security cuts, with no fresh tax rises, according to Resolution Foundation analysis.
Consultation on statutory debt solutions held
An independent review of Scotland's statutory debt solutions has published 52 recommendations after a March 2025 consultation, with the Scottish Government to respond after the Parliamentary Election.
Government confirms DRD restart in Spring Statement
The government confirmed in the Spring Statement that HMRC will restart its Direct Recovery of Debts power, taking unpaid tax directly from bank accounts and cash Isas.
PRA consults on proposed increase to deposit compensation limit
The Prudential Regulation Authority consulted in March 2025 on raising the deposit compensation limit, and the FSCS now confirms the limit rose to £120,000 on 1 December 2025.
PRA consults on raising FSCS deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £110,000 and THB limit from £1 million to £1.4 million
The Prudential Regulation Authority has proposed raising FSCS deposit protection from £85,000 to £110,000 and the temporary high balance limit from £1 million to £1.4 million, both from 1 December 2025.
Treasury Committee finds nine top banks had at least 33 days of outages over two years
The Treasury Committee has written to Lloyds Banking Group over an IT glitch that let some customers see other people's account information, and has restated its earlier finding on bank outages.
- February 2025
Government consults on removing the high cost to heat threshold for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales
The government is consulting on removing the high cost to heat threshold for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales, which would make all households on means-tested benefits eligible for the £150 rebate.
Consultation closed on permitted insurance fees
A government consultation on permitted insurance fees for landlords, freeholders and property managing agents in England and Wales closed at 11:59pm on 24 February 2025, with a response published later.
Consumer Scotland publishes response to Ofgem energy debt relief consultation
Consumer Scotland has published its response to Ofgem's consultation on a debt relief scheme for energy customers, warning that nearly half of those in energy debt doubt they can clear it.
Government lays legislation confirming new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates from 1 April 2025
The government has laid legislation confirming a National Living Wage of £12.21 an hour for those aged 21 and over, and a National Minimum Wage of £10.00 for 18 to 20 year olds, from 1 April 2025.
IFS report warns small pension pots risk being lost or eroded by charges
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that millions of small deferred pension pots risk being lost or eroded by charges, and has recommended automatic consolidation of pots under £1,000.
Which? responds to FCA Targeted Support pensions consultation opposing the proposals
Which? has told the Financial Conduct Authority it cannot support the regulator's proposed Targeted Support regime for pensions, citing three concerns and making three recommendations.
- January 2025
Debt Advice and Information Package required for diligence on the dependence warrants
From 20 January 2025 creditors in Scotland must give a Debt Advice and Information Package before applying for a warrant for diligence on the dependence, under rules covering enforcement against debtors.
Government introduces fraud and error legislation
The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill was introduced to Parliament in January 2025, giving the Department for Work and Pensions new powers to verify eligibility and gather information.
Gwahardd nodweddion casino ar-lein uchel risg
Online casino features that give players the illusion of control, including turbo, slam stops and autoplay, are banned from 17 January 2025 under Gambling Commission measures.