Joint Taskforce on Motor Finance Claims

ICO News & Blogs

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected April 2nd, 2026

Summary

The ICO, FCA, SRA, and ASA have formed a joint taskforce to address poor handling of motor finance claims by claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms. The ICO specifically commits to enforcing consent requirements for unsolicited direct marketing under PECR. This is a coordinated regulatory response to harmful practices in the motor finance claims sector.

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What changed

Four UK regulators (FCA, SRA, ICO, ASA) have established a joint taskforce to tackle poor practices in motor finance claims handling, with a focus on claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms. The ICO's specific role involves enforcing consent requirements for direct marketing under PECR regulations—prohibiting unsolicited marketing without proper consent. The taskforce represents a coordinated effort to pool regulatory expertise and powers.

Affected entities (CMCs, law firms engaging in motor finance claims) should review their marketing practices to ensure compliance with consent requirements. Legal professionals should ensure claims handling procedures meet regulatory standards. Consumers who have received unsolicited marketing related to motor finance claims can report these to the ICO. No specific compliance deadlines or penalties are stated in this announcement; the taskforce will determine enforcement actions as it progresses.

What to do next

Review direct marketing practices to ensure consent requirements under PECR are met
Ensure motor finance claims handling procedures meet regulatory standards
Report unsolicited marketing to the ICO if received

Source document (simplified)

Regulators launch joint taskforce to crack down on poor practice in motor finance claims

Date 31 March 2026
Type News A new taskforce will tackle poor handling of motor finance claims by some claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms, after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed to join up their efforts.

Andy Curry, Head of Investigations at the ICO, said:

“The law is long-standing, clear and simple – do not send unsolicited direct marketing without consent. We provide advice and support to help companies to comply, but where we see unlawful practices causing harm to the public, we will take action to the fullest extent. This is a serious issue, and we will work alongside our taskforce partners, pooling our expertise, knowledge and powers to address it.”
Member of the public can Report nuisance calls and texts to the ICO.

The FCA website has more information about the new taskforce.