The Upper Tribunal has set two possible windows for hearing challenges to the FCA’s motor finance redress scheme: 14–18 December 2026 or 16–26 February 2027. Neither is a confirmed final listing; the dates depend on procedural applications about expert opinion or disclosure. The FCA says firms can continue preparing where possible, but the Tribunal has paused specified scheme steps. The FCA material reviewed does not set a separate preparation deadline or checklist for car dealers.
When is the motor finance redress hearing?
The Upper Tribunal hearing is listed for one of two possible windows: 14–18 December 2026 or 16–26 February 2027. The final dates depend on whether a party applies for further expert opinion or disclosure, and whether any application succeeds, according to the Financial Conduct Authority’s 2 July 2026 statement.
These are possible hearing windows, not a single settled date or a decision on the challenges. The FCA identifies the four challengers as Consumer Voice, Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and CA Auto Finance.
What does the partial suspension mean for firms?
The Tribunal order, made on terms agreed with the four commercial challengers, partially suspends provisions of the scheme. Under the FCA’s account, firms are not required to calculate or pay redress, or send communications about compensation owed under the scheme timetable, until the Tribunal process concludes. The order does not suspend every rule: firms must continue to comply with requirements outside its scope.
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The FCA says the purpose is to let firms prepare and progress complaints as far as possible while avoiding work that could have to be repeated if the challenges succeed. In its 2 July 2026 statement, the regulator put it this way: “The partial suspension enables firms to keep preparing for the scheme and progress complaints as far as possible, while avoiding work that may need to be repeated if the challenges succeed.” The FCA also expects lenders to keep complainants informed of developments.
What preparation can continue?
The FCA’s firm guidance says affected firms should monitor announcements and tell the regulator at the earliest opportunity about issues that may materially affect financial resilience, operational resilience or their ability to carry out scheme steps. The guidance, Information for firms on motor finance complaints, was first published on 24 January 2024 and last updated on 27 August 2026. It says it should be read in light of the ongoing legal challenge and may need updating.
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That guidance is directed at affected firms; the precise steps that remain relevant depend on the Tribunal order and a firm’s role. A partial suspension is not an instruction to stop all preparation, and it does not remove requirements that were not suspended.
Do car dealers have a separate FCA preparation deadline?
The FCA materials cited here do not establish a separate deadline or dealer-specific task list. They discuss firms and lenders; the broader firm guidance also refers to lenders and brokers. That is a limit in the published guidance covered here, not proof that a particular dealer has no obligations.
Dealers should not assume that every dealer must calculate scheme redress, send compensation notices or pause all preparation. Whether a requirement applies depends on the dealer’s role and regulatory status, as well as the current order and FCA guidance. For a live issue, check subsequent FCA and Tribunal updates and obtain advice appropriate to the business.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What could change before the hearing?
The listing may become clearer once any applications about expert opinion or disclosure are resolved. The scope of the partial suspension may also be affected by later Tribunal orders or FCA updates. The FCA guidance itself notes that the legal challenge is ongoing and that the guidance may need updating; check the linked official pages for the latest position.
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