Written questions by Prinsley.

What discussions her Department has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the adequacy of online identity verification checks used by motor insurance providers to prevent fraudulent policies being issued using stolen personal information.

The government takes the issue of fraud extremely seriously. The FCA is an independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry. The FCA expects firms to have robust systems and controls to detect and prevent financial crime. The FCA monitors firms and has robust powers to act against firms that fail to comply with its rules. As set out in the final report of the cross-Government Motor Insurance Taskforce, published in December 2025, the Government, regulators and industry are taking a range of actions to combat fraud related to motor insurance. This includes the FCA’s work to identify and remove fraudulent advertising; the Insurance Fraud Bureau and Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department’s work to detect, investigate and deter motor insurance fraud; and collective efforts to deliver on the commitments in the Home Office’s Insurance Fraud Charter.

Whether consumer credit affordability and creditworthiness checks adequately prevent people with high levels of debt and known gambling-related financial risks from obtaining additional credit cards; and what steps she is taking with the Financial Conduct Authority to strengthen safeguards.

Lenders offering credit are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This oversight ensures that lending practices are fair and that consumers are protected – firms regulated by the FCA must comply with its strict lending affordability rules, lending only to those who can afford repayments based on a thorough assessment of their financial situation. Under the FCA’s Consumer Duty, firms are required to take steps to identify and respond to signs of vulnerability, support customers to disclose their needs, and make them aware of available assistance. The Government is committed to supporting people who are experiencing problem debt. Through the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), the Government funds a range of national and community-based debt advice services in England, so households can access the specialist support they need to get their finances back on track.