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<p>The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its contribution
to handling this unprecedented situation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises
that the outbreak of COVID-19 may lead to consumers facing financial difficulty and
uncertainty. The Government is working closely with the financial sector and financial
regulators in order to ensure they take coordinated steps in support of the Government’s
economic response to COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p>To help consumers who are facing temporary
cash flow problems as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, there are several measures
that have been introduced across wider financial services. On 17 March, the Chancellor
announced on behalf of the sector that mortgage lenders will offer a three month ‘mortgage
holiday’ for borrowers in financial difficulty.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, on 14 April,
the Financial Conduct Authority implemented proposals to give its regulated firms
the flexibility to provide temporary financial relief to those facing payment difficulties
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures include firms being expected to offer a
temporary payment freeze on loans and credit cards for up to three months, for consumers
negatively impacted by COVID-19.</p>
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