Local authorities must provide care funders with information helping them to access independent financial advice, the revised Care Bill has stipulated, though concerns have emerged surrounding councils' definition of 'independent'.

PROTECTION

A direct-to-consumer online protection provider has responded to claims that its critical illness cover is too basic, by stressing that the product will continue to develop as its simple online processes evolve.

Advisers and providers reiterated the "catastrophe" that would befall the advice sector if the incoming Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) read across a ban on commission in the retail investment market to protection.

Aviva has added second opinion and practical guidance services to its critical illness (CI) products for advised clients.

Protection provider Cirencester Friendly has called for an industry standard for disclosing income protection (IP) claims statistics.

Just Retirement has called on government to it make compulsory in the incoming Care and Support bill that local authorities refer care funders to regulated financial advisers.

Zurich is set to offer its protection proposition on its retail platform later in the year, to offer IFAs a complete holistic view of financial plans.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has paid out £136m in mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) claims since 2008, according to latest figures.

IFAs have lost significant protection policy renewal income following G-Day price hikes, an adviser has said.