Consumer Rights Weekly: Motor Finance Deadline Looms, FCA Cracks Down on CMCs

19th April 2026 | Industry Watch

Motor Finance Redress: 72 Days to Claim Your Share of £7.5 Billion

The FCA's motor finance consumer redress scheme (PS26/3) is now active, with an implementation deadline of 30th June 2026 for agreements taken out from April 2014. If you had a car finance agreement between 2007 and 2024 and weren't told about commission arrangements between your lender and dealer, you could be owed compensation.

Key facts:

• Covers discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs), high commission, and contractual ties
• Completely free for consumers: no need to pay a claims firm
• Millions of people are eligible
• You can complain directly to your lender or via the Financial Ombudsman Service

What to do now: Check your car finance agreements. If you had a PCP, HP, or conditional sale agreement, contact your lender directly or use EvenStance to build your complaint for free.

FCA Bans Another CMC for Misleading Adverts: Why You Don't Need One

The FCA banned Conclusive Financial Ltd (trading as PCP Refunds) on 14th April after the firm used unauthorised clips of Martin Lewis, the FCA's own logo, and unsubstantiated claims that consumers would receive "£1,846 on average" in compensation.

Since January 2024, the FCA has forced the withdrawal of 899 misleading CMC adverts. Martin Lewis himself said he was "delighted" to see the action.

The bottom line: You can make motor finance claims for free, either directly to your lender or through the Financial Ombudsman Service. CMCs can charge up to 30% of your compensation: that's potentially hundreds or thousands of pounds you'd lose unnecessarily.

Consumer Duty: FCA Reviews Year 2 Compliance

The FCA published its analysis of Year 2 Consumer Duty Board Reports on 16th April, assessing how well regulated firms are treating customers. The review outlines compliance gaps and signals where future enforcement action may focus.

If you're in a dispute with a financial services firm, Consumer Duty requirements strengthen your position: firms must demonstrate they're delivering good outcomes for customers.

Product Recalls This Week

• Haier heat pump tumble dryers (8 brands including Candy, Hoover, Lamona): fire risk. Stop using and unplug. Call 0808 178 0516.
• Disney Frozen Bath Bomb Set (TKMaxx): phthalate risk to children. Return for refund.
• Tesco Finest Chocolate Affogato: may contain plastic. Return for refund.
• PomPom Galore fairy lights: fire risk from USB cable. Contact manufacturer.

Energy Bills Update

The energy price cap dropped 6.6% to £1,641/year from 1st April, partly thanks to the government removing green levies from bills. If you're on a standard variable tariff, your bills should have already decreased.

Have a dispute? Start your free case on EvenStance: no CMC fees, no hidden charges.