The FCA will be introducing the package of measures outlined last week (see here) to support consumer credit customers facing payment difficulties due to coronavirus (Covid-19).
The targeted temporary measures being implemented are a three month payment freeze for motor finance, buy-now pay-later (BNPL), rent-to-own (RTO) and pawnbroking agreements. For high-cost short term credit (including payday loans) payments will be frozen for one month with no additional interest to be charged.
Christopher Woolard, interim Chief Executive at the FCA, said:
“We have worked at pace to introduce temporary financial relief tailored for a range of specific credit products. Many firms are already working with their customers, but these measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments.”