Boom in home improvement spending predicted following changes to pension rules
A spending boom is likely to be triggered following a relaxation of the rules around how much money people can take out of their pensions, says leading actuary Hymans Robertson. Under plans introduced by the Chancellor, George Osborne, people will have the legal right to access their pensions when they turn 55 rather than having […]
Searches for window installers up 44% on Trustmark website
Trustmark, the Government-endorsed quality mark for tradespeople, has had a record number of visitors using its website in 2014. Over 7.2 million search results were provided to homeowners who used TrustMark’s website and telephone helpline to find expert trades to carry out work on their homes or gardens last year – an increase of 38% […]
Lloyds Bank report increase in consumer confidence
Lloyds Bank reported an increase in consumer confidence in October to reach its second highest score since the start of the index, climbing five points to 151. The continued decline in petrol prices has seen average spending on fuel around 6% lower than this time last year, helping to ease the pressure on budgets and bolster household incomes. […]
Solar Energy UK issues its 2014 post-show report
It was Solar Energy UK’s fifth anniversary this year, and the show was the most successful to date. Held at the NEC, it’s become one of the most important events in the solar PV calendar. The event attracted 3402 unique visitors from 61 countries, and 204 exhibitors – of which, CCS were one. We were […]
Court dismisses claim due to illegible credit agreement
A badly written credit agreement has resulted in a claim by a debt collection company being thrown out. Hillesden Securities brought the action against Harry Moore at Oxford County Court after their demand for full repayment of a debt was not met. His Honour Judge Charles Harris QC found that Hillesden Securities had not fulfilled […]
Investing in their conservatories is a spending priority for homeowners
Investing in their conservatories is a spending priority for homeowners Lloyds Bank Insurance has conducted new research into how homeowners live today compared to how they lived in their childhood homes — and the findings provide interesting insight into spending priorities. Reasons why homeowners invest in home improvement: 65% want to improve the way their […]
RECC’s Annual Report Published
RECC’s Annual Report Published RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) has published its 2013 Annual Report this month, highlighting its activities and achievements, as well as reporting some key findings on the renewables industry. In summary: RECC membership fell to 4500 from 5500 in 2012. RECC report the decline is a result of the sector restructuring […]
New report predicts continued growth for the Domestic Glazing Market until 2018
Growing consumer confidence, a burgeoning housing market and a low interest rate environment helped boost the domestic glazing market in 2013, and the latest research is predicting growth will continue through to 2018. Robert Palmer, director of Palmer Market Research, said: “We’re entering the longest period of prolonged growth for this market since the nineties.” The […]
The Financial Ombudsman has moved
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has moved offices and changed its contact details. It’s important that you update your documentation (e.g. complaints advice leaflets). You need to ensure your customers have access to the Financial Ombudsman’s contact information so they know how to escalate any concerns they may have regarding credit agreements. There is no […]
Are you up to date with recent changes to the Consumer Contracts Regulations…
The introduction of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 includes major changes in the law relating to consumer protection. They now apply to consumer contracts made on-premises (through retail stores), made at a distance (including online sales) and off-premises (e.g. in-home sales). Firms will need to review their processes and change […]