Policy Issues

A key role for the BSA is to represent the interests of building societies to external bodies, such as Government departments and regulators, both in the UK and in Brussels. As the scope of legislation and regulation grows, the range of policy issues on which we represent building society interests also increases.

Building Society Legislation
Building societies are regulated by the FSA subject to legislation set out in the Building Societies Act 1986.

The BSA has published a summary of the legislation affecting building societies, which you can view here:
BSA's summary of the Building Societies Act 1986
Consumer Relations
Current issues and BSA policy regarding building societies' relations with their customers. Topics include:
Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts
Treating Customers Fairly
Unfair Commercial Practices
Financial Ombudsman Service
Lost Accounts

Mortgages and housing
The sections covers the BSA's work in Housing and Mortgages policy including:
Affordable Housing
Arrears and Posessions
Prudential and Financial Regulation
Building societies, along with other financial institutions, are bound by regulations and requirements that aim to uphold the soundness and integrity of the financial system.

Savings Policy
The BSA's views on savings including savings statistics, press releases and information on the following topics:
Individual Savings Accounts
Saving Gateway

Constitutional and Corporate Governance
This section is about the way building societies are managed and the rules that govern their conduct. Topics include:
Nature of a Building Society
Mutuality
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Governance

Financial Crime Prevention
This area provides information on current issues and the BSA's latest policy regarding financial crime prevention. Topics include:
Anti-Money Laundering
Fraud Prevention
Physical Security

Payments
This area provides information on current issues and the BSA's policy regarding payments and payment systems.