Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Compensation (Financial Services) Bill - Second Reading of the entire bill

08 June 2021 · 16 other contributors

Opened by Guy Opperman Con Hexham

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Guy Opperman raised concerns about compensation (financial services) bill - second reading of the entire bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Minister introduced a short Bill to compensate victims of financial fraud.
  • Clause 1 establishes a compensation scheme for London Capital & Finance bondholders who lost money in 2019.
  • Clause 2 allows loans to the Pension Protection Fund to pay out compensation for occupational pension scheme members affected by pension liberation fraud.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Guy Opperman Con Hexham

The Minister introduced a short Bill aimed at compensating victims of financial fraud. Clause 1 would establish a compensation scheme for London Capital & Finance bondholders who lost money when the firm entered administration in 2019, while Clause 2 would allow loans to the Pension Protection Fund to pay out compensation to occupational pension scheme members affected by pension liberation fraud.

Other contributors (16)
  • Guy Opperman Con Hexham

    The Minister argued that while no regulatory system can completely eradicate risk, this Bill is necessary to provide compensation for victims. He emphasised the Government's acceptance of Dame Elizabeth Gloster’s report and its commitment to compensating those affected by LCF collapse and pension liberation fraud.

  • Gareth Thomas Lab Co-op Harrow West

    He questioned the Minister about whether the FCA has the powers and capacity necessary to protect consumers after Dame Elizabeth Gloster's report on regulatory failings.

  • Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

    Hollinrake agreed with the need for stronger accountability within the FCA, suggesting that identifying individuals responsible for incompetence or fraudulent activities is crucial to prevent future failures.

  • Hanvey requested an intervention but no further details were provided in the text.

  • Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East

    The Bill compensates victims of London Capital & Finance PLC for losses amounting to £237 million, with a compensation scheme costing taxpayers about £120 million. Pat McFadden supports this measure due to regulatory failures highlighted by Dame Elizabeth Gloster’s report. He questions the 80% FSCS limit chosen and seeks clarity on practical implementation and prevention of future investment failures.

  • Intervened to highlight that a Member of Parliament received compensation from subsidiaries involved in mis-selling, raising ethical concerns about profiting from such situations.

  • Asked McFadden if it is fair for responsible lenders to suffer losses due to regulatory failures while others may profit. Highlighted a case in his constituency where individuals invested based on FCA endorsement and lost significant sums.

  • Peter Grant SNP Central Scotland

    Supports the establishment of a compensation scheme for pension liberation scams and LCF bondholders, but criticises the lack of broader measures to prevent future regulatory failures. Emphasises the need for a more proactive approach to identifying and penalizing fraudulent activities early.

  • James Grundy Con West Derby

    Welcomes progress made by the Bill but seeks clarification on whether bondholders must surrender all bonds to qualify for compensation, highlighting concerns about potential financial losses and the need for clear guidance.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Supports the Bill but criticises the Government for not addressing underlying regulatory failures. Highlights FCA's negligence in supervising LCF despite warnings, calling for a more robust financial regulation system.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Welcomes the Bill as necessary compensation for victims of FCA failures. Emphasises that proper regulations must be established to prevent future occurrences.

  • Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford

    Supports the Bill but calls for full compensation and better auditing standards. Criticises FCA's failure to regulate mini-bonds despite early warnings.

  • Gareth Thomas Lab Co-op Harrow West

    Supports the Bill and raises concerns about demutualisation of Liverpool Victoria, highlighting similar regulatory issues to LCF scandal.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Welcomes the Bill while asking questions regarding its broader applicability and compensation for deceased victims. Emphasises protection of pensioners through the legislation.

  • John Glen Con Salisbury

    Minister John Glen acknowledged constituents affected by LCF issues and stated that the Government will establish a compensation scheme for exceptional circumstances. He highlighted the unique situation of LCF as an authorised firm despite not receiving income from regulated activities, making it exceptional compared to other mini-bond issuers. Glen emphasised that the Government's approach follows historical precedent with only three compensation schemes established in 35 years and mentioned ongoing consultations to regulate mini-bonds under FCA. He also expressed confidence in the transformation programme at the FCA and commitment to ensuring victims of fraudulent pension liberation receive their pensions.

  • Gareth Thomas Lab Co-op Harrow West

    Intervened briefly, expressing encouragement for the Minister's confidence in FCA's transformation programme and asked if he would sit down with the new chief executive to ensure consumer interests are protected during the demutualisation of Liverpool Victoria.

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