Protecting Vulnerable Consumers Following Termination of Family Protection Plan Insurance Scheme

That the Parliament expresses concern over the financial and emotional distress facing thousands of credit union members across Scotland, including in Coatbridge and Chryston, following the decision by the Swedish underwriter, Maiden Life Försäkrings AB, to withdraw from the UK market, resulting in the termination of the long-standing Family Protection Plan (FPP) group life insurance policy; understands that an estimated 5,000 policyholders across the UK, with a high concentration in Scotland, were reportedly left without cover despite many having paid monthly premiums in good faith for up to 25 years to protect their families from funeral costs and financial hardship; notes with dismay that, because the FPP was structured as a monthly renewable term policy with a short notice cancellation clause, rather than as a ring-fenced savings mechanism or protected prepaid funeral plan, members have been left with no cash-in value or financial return despite years of contributions; recognises evidence submitted by the Independent Coalition of Credit Unions indicating that a significant proportion of affected members are elderly and vulnerable people, including some living with chronic health conditions or on modest incomes, that many have been unable to secure replacement cover following the withdrawal of the scheme and that a number of affected policyholders have died since the cover was terminated; believes that Scotland accounts for the substantial proportion of affected credit union members across the UK and therefore bears a disproportionate share of the social and financial consequences arising from the termination of the scheme; pays tribute to the leadership of Elaine Rae, chief executive officer of the NHS Credit Union, and to the efforts of Scottish credit unions, elected representatives and consumer advocates, who have worked to highlight the experiences of affected members and seek a fair resolution; notes that the Financial Conduct Authority has confirmed that Maiden Life's withdrawal was permitted under the existing regulatory framework, highlighting potential weaknesses in consumer protections relating to long-term group insurance products marketed as providing lasting peace of mind and financial security; welcomes the engagement of HM Treasury, including the convening of discussions involving regulators, industry representatives and affected credit unions, and believes that meaningful consumer redress must remain a priority as those discussions continue; concurs with calls for the establishment of an appropriate compensation, redress or support mechanism that reflects the particular circumstances and vulnerabilities of affected consumers; notes calls for the Scottish Government to continue its engagement with the credit union sector and to utilise all available mechanisms to support those impacted, and concurs with the call for HM Treasury ministers and officials to convene a further formal roundtable with affected credit union groups, consumer representatives, the Financial Conduct Authority, industry stakeholders and devolved administrations to consider redress options, address the regulatory issues highlighted by the termination of the scheme and ensure that vulnerable consumers are not left to bear the full consequences of its withdrawal.