Consumer banking has radically changed. I can't comment on needing a residence to open a bank account to get a residence, because although I ran into the same issue when I first came here it's been a long time since that was a problem for me. In other aspect personal banking is much much easier. Many banks allow you to open accounts online, for example.

Yeah, and to prove your English residence you have to provide a paper bill from a utility company (water or electricity) with your name and address on it. Which adds another 3 month as those utility bills are on a quarterly basis. Crazy stuff...

In terms of personal banking it's definitely gotten easier for new comers with the likes of Monzo and Revolut - I had no problem opening account on arrival. From what I've heard the high street banks have improved a bit in this regard too, probably in response to the challenger banks taking market share.

Finding a place to rent on the other hand is still difficult, particularly without a history of renting in the UK

And if it is a high demand area you need to look more spanky than all the other applicants: great jobs, rental references, no kids/pets, older couple prefered of sharers. In London you also need to make an offer on the spot.

That’s definitely changed. I had little issues with this in 2015 using a letter of proof of employment.

I can confirm that it was the same at least ~6 years ago when I went through the same.