Reference Case Number: FOI2025/00736
Freedom of Information: Right to know request:
Please provide:
1) Since September 2024, the number of claims management companies operating in each region of the UK and split between the following permissions (i) CMC (ii) Lead Generator (iii) Both CMC and Lead Generator.
2) The number of applications for authorisation from new claims management companies since September 2024.
3) The number of claims management companies in each of the three permission categories stated in point 1 above investigated for rule breaches and the number of investigations which have resulted in action taken by the FCA.
FCA response:
Claims Management Companies (CMCs) are any authorised firms with at least one of the following permissions:
- Seeking out, referrals and identification of claims or potential claims
- Advice, investigation or representation in relation to a personal injury claim
- Advice, investigation or representation in relation to a financial services or financial product
- Advice, investigation or representation in relation to a housing disrepair claim
- Advice, investigation or representation in relation to a claim for a specified benefit
- Advice, investigation or representation in relation to a criminal injury claim
- Advice, investigation or representation in relation to an employment related claim
We have therefore provided the number of firms that hold at least one of the above permissions, but some firms may also hold other permissions alongside these.
Question 1
The below table lists the number of firms broken down by region of the UK and split between the following permissions (i) CMC (ii) Lead Generator (iii) Both CMC and Lead Generator.
The “UK region” has been determined by using the address listed by the firm as their ‘principal place of business’. The principal place of business is the main place where work is performed, or business is carried on and the location of central management and control. This may not be the same address as the firms registered address, and firms may undertake regulated activities anywhere in the UK.
| UK region | CMC permission | Lead generator permission | Both CMC and lead generator permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| East England | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| East Midlands | 9 | 21 | 8 |
| East of England | 12 | 26 | 11 |
| Greater London | 39 | 82 | 37 |
| North East | 18 | 24 | 15 |
| North West | 74 | 162 | 71 |
| Northern Ireland | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Scotland | 13 | 31 | 13 |
| South East | 13 | 28 | 13 |
| South West | 14 | 18 | 8 |
| Wales | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| West Midlands | 16 | 36 | 14 |
Question 2
We have received 19 applications for authorisation from new claims management companies from September 2024 to August 2025.
Question 3
We have investigated 4 claims management companies for rule breaches in each of the three permission categories stated in question 1. Of those investigated, 3 resulted in action being taken by the FCA.