When the threads finally unravel, there will no doubt be significant questions asked of all those involved throughout the chain, including those authorities set up with a specific task to protect consumers and to defend those who are vulnerable.
And if thousands of pensioners without any money during the winter are not considered vulnerable, then I don't know what can be described as financial vulnerability.
I've been writing on these sort of things for decades now and I've seen similar patterns repeat year after year.
Cue hand-wringing from authorities and a few 'reviews' at the taxpayers' and industry's expense to prevent such things happening again.
Spoiler alert: they will.