Money Box: Recent Episodes
BBC Radio 4
The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.
A deadline approaches for 860,000 self-employed people and landlords who must start reporting their income and expenses in a new way. It is called Making Tax Digital and it affects small businesses with a turnover or gross income above £50,000 a year. They have until 7th August to report their income and expenditure to HMRC. What do they need to know?
It is “unacceptable” that the government has refused to commit to bringing the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme back in-house. That’s according to PCS Union, which says a rare joint committee hearing in Parliament this week highlighted the “catastrophic failures” of the scheme, leaving many members facing “unacceptable delays, errors and distress” when trying to access the pensions they have worked their entire careers to earn. The Cabinet Office, which has overall responsibility for the scheme, says immediately terminating the contract would cause more problems and severely disrupt the pension payroll, jeopordizing the financial security of hundreds of thousands of public servants.
How are rules which make banks reimburse victims of fraud going? A new report evaluates the first year of Mandatory Reimbursement.
And a major high street bank has changed its mind after deciding not to allow customers to deposit their cheques in a Post Office.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundOutput Producer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 11th July 2026)
We look at whether artificial intelligence is a help, or a hazard when it comes to helping you with your personal finances.
One in five adults in the UK - around 11 million people - are already open to the idea of using AI to manage their finances, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. But using AI to manage our money is not without risk. The FCA, the organisation tasked with keeping us financially safe, says that regulators are in an "arms race" to keep up with AI in financial services. We speak to the man behind its new report, Sheldon Mills.
And with the increase in AI useage likely to attract the scammers and the deepfakers, just how will regulation evolve to protect us?
Alongside presenter Ruth Alexander and taking listener questions is Simon Belshaw who is Chief Client Officer at the investment company Hargreaves Lansdown. And we hear from Elle Farrell-Kingsley, and advocate for AI ethics who has previously worked on artificial intelligence for one of the big tech companies.
Presenter: Ruth AlexanderProducer: Craig HendersonResearchers: Niamh McDermott, Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
Pictured: Sheldon Mills, Financial Conduct Authority
(This edition was first broadcast on Wednesday July 8, 2026)
Parliament was asked this week to help tens of thousands of young adults get access to their own money. It is sitting in the state-backed Child Trust Funds set up more than 15 years ago with contributions from the government, parents and other relatives. However, because these young people have learning disabilities the legal process for getting hold of their own money can cost more than the couple of thousand pounds typically in their fund. What happens next?
New figures reveal that in a single year half a million people said 'no thanks' to joining a workplace pension. Like everyone taking up a new job they were automatically enrolled into a pension, but they opted out before it even began. How might that impact their future?
Capita has missed the deadline to return services to normal for civil servants facing long delays in getting their pensions sorted.
And, a major change to the Lifetime ISA could see it replaced with a new product designed solely for First Time Buyers. How will it work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Meghan OwenResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 4th July 2026)
Buying a flat used to be a stepping stone to owning a house – but has this all changed?
Research is telling us that the gap in price between flats and houses has hit a 30 year high. According to the property platform Zoopla, so far this this year two-thirds of one and two-bedroom flats listed for sale still haven't been sold.
The leasehold system in England is being blamed, in large part, for the declining popularity of flats. There are concerns about the length of leases and the maintenance and service charges often involved when owning a flat. The Government is in the process of introducing new measures to deal with some of these issues.
So today we're asking - what does buying a flat mean for your finances? Maybe you live in one and love it! Perhaps your children do? Or are you struggling to sell and feeling a bit flattened?
Presenter Felicity Hannah puts listeners’ questions and concerns to an expert panel. Polly Gilbert is a director at the digital mortgage brokers Tembo, and Liam Spender is a trustee at the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 1st July, 2026)
More than 15,000 people have responded to a Government review into access to banking services in just three weeks since it opened. The review comes after a decade which has seen almost 7,000 bank branches close, with hundreds more happening this year and some announced in just the past few days. Richard Lloyd, a former Director at the consumer group Which?, gives his first interview since being appointed to lead the review.
HMRC must "learn lessons" for the future after incorrectly suspending child benefit payments from thousands of claimants last year. That is the conclusion of a report published this week by the National Audit Office. The mistake happened during the wider roll out of a pilot scheme designed to cut some of the hundreds of millions of pounds estimated to be lost to fraud and error in child benefit claims each year.
People who are 66 today, born 27 June 1960, are the youngest people who will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year. Normally the qualifying date is three months later. How does the payment work?
And, VAT has been cut on summer attractions used by children - from theme parks to fast food - what kind of discounts are there?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Sarah Rogers and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at midday on Saturday 27th June, 2026)
We’ve seen a big fall in the number of bank branches over the last decade. Around 6,700 bank and building society branches have closed since the beginning of 2015, according to Which? With more due to close this month.
Now the government is carrying out a review following concerns about the reduced access to face-to-face banking, and how this affects banking customers both in towns and in rural areas across the UK.
In this special programme Money Box Live asks what IS the future for banking and what do these changes mean for you? Will online banking ultimately be the end of banking face-to-face – or will there always be some form of bank to pop into?
Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by Charles Randell, former chief of the regulator the Financial Conduct Authority and a member of the Financial Exclusion Commission, and Gareth Oakley, the CEO of Cash Access UK, to answer your questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess QuayleSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 24th June, 2026)
Capita chiefs promised MPs on the Public Accounts Committee it would fix long-running problems with its administration of one of the biggest pension schemes in the country by the end of this month.Tens of thousands of retired and serving civil servants have been reporting long delays to payments, leading to serious financial hardship to pensioners and their families. But Money Box has learned the deadline isn't likely to be met. We speak to the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee about what happens next.And cases of reported are still increasing. We explain how AI has become the latest weapon in the fraudsters' armoury.Also, holiday season is upon us. What can we do to minimise the hit from those annoying non-sterling transaction fees levied every time we use our plastic. A consumer expert shares his advice.
Six million people who expect to be paying housing costs once they've stopped working say they don't know how they'll be able to afford it. That's according to new research from pensions and investment firm Royal London. It surveyed 4,000 people and says the findings suggest around 1 in 3 UK adults are already paying, or expect to pay, rent or a mortgage once they've retired. What can be done to help them afford it?
A record number of solar panels are being fitted to homes and businesses across the UK. Last year's record is forecast to be beaten this year as electricity prices rise on July 1st. Solar panels on your roof don't just help pay your electricity bills. You can also sell spare energy back to your supplier to help pay your remaining heating bills. We'll investigate why one supplier is reducing that rate.
And, what creatures would you like to see on the new Bank of England banknotes? There's a plan to replace the humans on fivers, tenners and so on with other species. The shortlist chosen by a panel of wildlife experts published by the Bank of England has 18 mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and fish. We'll speak to the Bank of England Chief Cashier Victora Cleland about what's behind the change.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast on Radio 4 at 12pm on Saturday 13th June 2026)
Scammers are using increasingly convincing AI generated videos to steal people's money. We hear from a victim who had £165,000 stolen and ask an expert how to spot the warning signs before it's too late.
The government has promised new financial rights for cohabiting couples. We examine what the plans could mean for the three and a half million couples in the UK who live together without being married or in a civil partnership.
Households in Northern Ireland will see their gas and electricity bills rise next month. We find out what's behind the increase and what support is available.
Plus, why is one MP comparing parts of England's student loan system to some of the country's biggest financial scandals?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Hannah Mullane, Jo Krasner, and Niamh Mc Dermott.Editor: Sarah Rogers
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 6th June 2026)
The PCS union is calling for Capita to lose its contract to administer the Civil Service Pensions scheme six months after it took over. It follows problems which have seen thousands of retired civil servants waiting months for pension payments. The Union says it would like the contract to be managed by the government instead. Capita says it is making progress on getting things 'back to normal levels' and that it’s got extra trained staff working on the backlog.
Why is the take-up of child benefit, which is worth at least £1,400 per year, at its lowest level for more than twenty years? HMRC says it works with 'many partners' to promote take-up and provide information to new parents in hospitals across the UK. But what else can be done?
A debt advice provider calls for a new social energy tariff to give cheaper gas and electricity to those on lower incomes, ahead of price rises in July.
And, the new rare bank note to celebrate Scotland qualifying for the World Cup for first time in more than 25 years.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Hannah Mullane and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 30th May 2026)
Newly released research seen exclusively by this programme suggests a quarter of the UK's nearly 6 million carers have paused or stopped paying into their pension because of the financial pressures of caring for a loved one. Most often, that loved one has complex needs and the costs of caring for them can be high. In the same research, from Carers UK, three quarters of carers said they're worried about their financial futures.
An independent review is to take place into how the closure of bank branches affects people who rely on being able to physically go into their bank and speak to someone. The government says it wants to make sure those needing access to in-person service are protected. It has appointed Richard Lloyd, a former Director at Which?, to review face-to-face banking.
On Wednesday National Savings and Investments will start a year-long process of contacting the executors and personal representatives of 34,000 former customers whose money it had kept after they died, some as long ago as 2008. How will that work?
And a new report looks at the quality of financial guidance being offered by some social media posts.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 12 noon on Saturday 23rd May, 2026)
If you’re fortunate enough to have set some money aside for a rainy day the Government wants you to invest more rather than keep it all in cash savings accounts.
The Treasury, has appointed the Investment Association, alongside 19 financial services firms, to lead an industry initiative to persuade people with savings to move at least some of that money into shares.
As a nation, we invest much less than in other similar countries, but why? What puts you off and what would you need to take the plunge?
Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by Karen Northey, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Investment Association, and David Dodgson, an Independent Financial Advisor with The Private Office to answer listener questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess QuayleSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm on Wednesday 20th May 2026)
Millions of adults across the UK, have not told their families what they want to happen to their money and property when they die. STEP, the Society for Trust and Estate Planners, reported this week on a survey which found 8 out of 10 adults had kept their loved ones in ignorance of their wishes. A third of them did not even have a will, leaving its distribution to complex legal rules rather than what the family itself might want. What should people do to avoid this?
It is nearly forty years since the government sold off British Gas and encouraged us all to Tell Sid as part of Margaret Thatcher's 1986 dream of a share owning democracy. Today, the present Labour government wants people to invest more and it has appointed the Investment Association, alongside 19 of the UK's leading financial services firms, to lead an industry wide initiative to persuade people with savings to move at least some of them into shares. This "Invest for the Future" campaign has its own mascot - Savvy Squirrel. Could this lead to cultural change in the way we invest?
And when might you have to pay tax on the interest you earn on savings? We'll explain all.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleNews Editor: Justin Bones
(First broadcast at 12noon, Saturday 16th May 2026)
We may be living longer, but are our finances in the best of health?
On today’s Money Box Live we take a stroll through the decades and examine the kind of financial challenges that living longer might throw at us.
A growing number of people in the UK are reaching 100 – Sir David Attenborough among them - and there are now more than 600,000 people in their nineties, but are we sufficiently prepared for the true costs of sustaining a healthy income into later life.
Felicity Hannah is joined by two expert panellists who are answering listener questions - Dr Suzy Morrissey, deputy director of the Pensions Policy Institute, and Jonathan Cribb, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
How do you ensure your money lasts as long as you do?
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 3pm Wednesday 13th May 2026)
Since lenders were ordered to repay billions to consumers who signed up to unfair car finance deals, millions of people have been sent adverts exhorting them to claim compensation through claims managers or law firms. But now the Financial Conduct Authority is to investigate the industry amid concerns of sharp practice and misleading marketing. Paul Lewis asks if the regulator has acted quickly enough to root out the rogue operators.
And we hear from the serial switchers - those tempted by cash perks to change their bank accounts. Is it worth it?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Jo Krasner and Felicity HannahResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Rob CaveSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson
Teenage years are formative in many different ways – and being able to handle finances is one of them.
In this programme - one of our special Money Box Life episodes – presenter Felicity Hannah talks to teenagers from varied backgrounds about their early experiences of handling money.
We get their views on the guiding role of parents. We hear how making mistakes can prove helpful – if you learn from them. And how jobs can shape the understanding of money and how to use it, providing of course you are able to secure some form of work in an increasingly competitive environment.
Advice is on hand from Stephanie Fitzgerald, head of young people's programmes at the Money Charity, and Julia Evans from Spear, which is a charity which supports young people to find work. Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Craig Henderson, James GrahamEditor: Robert CaveSenior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
(First broadcast on Wednesday 6 May 2026)
Some bereaved listeners whose relatives had money put away with National Savings and Investments are facing weeks and months of delay in getting their own money. It comes as NS&I works to track down the accounts of tens of thousands of people who had died, after it admitted keeping nearly half a billion pounds in its coffers that should have been passed to their estates. The state-owned bank has apologised and says its working hard on its plan to ensure those affected are paid what is owed to them, along with returning the processing of current and new bereavement claims to their normal time-frame.
The cost of borrowing has been held steady by the Bank of England. On Thursday its Monetary Policy Committee held the Bank Rate at 3.75%. How is that affecting mortgage deals?
And, how can young people, who’re out of work, find a job? Dan Whitworth reports on a scheme run by the charity Spear to address barriers to work. It comes as University College London publishes research which finds being out of work and education between ages 16 and 24 has long-term consequences for people’s employment and finances in midlife.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 2nd May 2026)
A huge amount is about to change for anyone who rents their home or who owns a rental property in England.
The Renters' Rights Act comes into force on May 1 and there's a lot in it, from ending so-called 'no fault' evictions to limits on rent increases. It will make a big difference to 11 million private renters and their 2.3 million landlords. After all, for tenants it involves their homes while for landlords it concerns their financial security.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Rachael Williamson, director of policy at the Chartered Institute of Housing; Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association; and Tarun Bhakta, policy manager at the housing charity Shelter.
Together they address listeners' questions on how the new law will affect different aspects of the rental market, including tenancies, evictions and how anti-discrimination measures will work.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: James GrahamEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 29nd April 2026)
In just a few days time the biggest shake up to renters rights in a generation will come into force in England. It will mean no more than one rent increase a year, an end to bidding wars an end to no fault evictions. The Renters' Rights Act will significantly change the current system not just for 11 million private renters in England but also their 2.3 million landlords. How will it work in practice?
There's a call for urgent reform of recently introduced fraud regulations to better protect victims of push payment scams - when people are tricked, groomed or manipulated into transferring money to criminals. National Trading Standards says a 13 month time limit on how long people have to tell their banks they've been scammed means some victims aren't being refunded because it often takes much longer than that before they even realise their money's been stolen. The Payment Systems Regulator, which introduced the rules, says they provide a minimum standard for banks to meet. UK Finance says only a small number of cases ever fall outside the 13 month deadline and victims can always complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
We'll ask if you should fix your energy bill now.
And, how a disabled man lost £5,000 he'd raised for a new wheelchair after paying it into the wrong bank account.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth and Niamh McDermottResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm on Saturday 25th April 2026)
Are you worried about whether the global disruption could affect your global travel plans? Whether you've booked a foreign trip, are planning a staycation or simply unsure of what to do, this is the programme for you.
Holidays may not be the most important thing in the world, especially when you consider what's happening in Iran that's causing all the uncertainty, but that doesn't mean they don't matter and they are definitely a big expense.
Maybe you're wondering if a jet fuel shortage could ground your flights or don't really know if you have the right insurance cover. With the inflation rate rising, perhaps you’re worried about the pressure on your holiday budget.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Emma Brennan from ABTA, the trade association for travel agents and tour operators, and Lisa Minot, head of travel at the Sun newspaper to answer your questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: James GrahamEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 22nd April 2026)
Are we at the start of a deepening cost of living crisis as nearly half of all adults fear they might not be able afford their energy bills?
And from next year, councils in England will be banned from demanding householders pay their council tax in full if they are only late with one payment.
HMRC warns of scammers as it begins taking back Winter Fuel Payment from more than two million higher income pensioners.
Also, the rise of the poly worker. Why young people are fixing their sights on a portfolio career.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Niamh McDermottResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Rob CaveSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast Saturday 18th April 2026)
The conflict in Iran has very grave human costs for the Middle East. But it also has economic costs and they are being felt around the world and here in the UK.
Just this week the Resolution Foundation think tank said higher energy bills could mean typical British households are £480 worse off this year. From heat pumps to pensions and solar panels to savings - what changes have you made because of the changing world?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Ian Preston from the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol, Ellen Fraser from the energy consultancy Baringa and Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: James GrahamEditor: Rob CaveSenior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 15th April 2026)Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The National Union of Headteachers says the government "must step in" to help teachers in England and Wales who have retired but are facing long delays before their pension is paid. The Teachers' Pension Scheme is one of the biggest in the country with two million members. The Department for Education which has overall responsibility for the scheme says it’s working closely with Capita who administrate the pensions to monitor performance and address any emerging issues. Capita has apologised and says it's working closely with the government to ensure cases are progressed correctly and in line with scheme rules.
In the last month average two year fixed mortgage rates have jumped from around 4.8% to 5.9% and there are around 1 in 6 fewer mortgages deals available to house buyers and people whose fixed mortgages are running out. How is that affecting the housing market?
Mortgage rates going up is bad news but when interest rates rise savers, who far outnumber people with mortgages, many see it as better news. What are the best offers out there?
And what does the lifting of the two-child benefit cap mean for families?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Hannah Mullane and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Henry Jones
(First broadcast on Radio 4 at 12pm on Saturday 11th April 2026)
The Employment Rights Act has been called the most significant change to workers rights in a generation, so what does it mean for your money?
The new law will introduce a raft of new rules for employees and employers over the next 18 months. From April 6th statutory sick pay has been enhanced and will be available from the first day of illness. Also, fathers will have a right to paternity leave on joining a workplace, rather than after six months' service.
In January protection from unfair dismissal will become a right after six months of being in a job, instead of two years, and there will be a clamp down on zero hours jobs with workers given the right to request 'guaranteed hours'.
Felicity Hannah is joined by John Palmer a senior adviser at the conciliation service ACAS and Kaajal Nathwani, an employment lawyer at Osborne & Wise. Felicity also speaks to the employment rights minister Kate Dearden.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James Graham Editor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Henry Jones
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 8th April 2026)
Millions of people in their sixties will now wait up a year longer before they can claim their state pension. From Easter Monday the current state pension age of 66 will gradually increase over the next two years until it reaches 67 affecting everyone born on 6th April 1960 or later. How will it work for those affected?
Rent arrears, council tax debt and unpaid utility bills are the main reason more than 400,000 people in Britain are homeless. A new report by the Centre for Homelessness Impact published next week sets out ways to reduce or even end homelessness. What does it recommend?
Millions of drivers are in line for hundreds of pounds of compensation for mis-sold finance deals. We'll have 5 top tips on who gets what and how to claim.
And there are some tax changes from Monday as well, we'll round up what's happening to dividends and inheritance tax.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah RogersResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm on Saturday 4th April 2026)
Making Tax Digital for income tax is HMRC's biggest shake-up of self assessment for decades, but are you ready?
The new system will involve filing quarterly updates as well as a final return via third party software. This year it'll affect 860,000 sole traders and landlords with a turnover of £50,000. In the coming years the threshold will fall, bringing a total of nearly three million people into the new system.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Jonathan Athow, HMRC's director general for strategy and policy, to take listeners' questions about how it all works and what they need to do to prepare. We also hear from Emma Rawson, from the Association of Tax Technicians, a professional body for tax advisers.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James Graham and Rob CaveEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Henry Jones
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 1st April 2026)
The cost of filling up your car has risen every day over the past three weeks as the conflict continues in the Middle East. Diesel is now averaging £1.78 per litre - a price last seen on Christmas Day 2022, 10 months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Petrol is up 17p and has just tipped over £1.50 per litre. Those figures are UK averages from the RAC. What can you do to bring down the cost?
The boss of government-backed bank NS&I has been replaced after a lost funds scandal, affecting thousands and delaying bereaved families’ access to relatives’ money.
Bosses from Capita apologise again as MPs question them about the long delays facing retired civil servants awaiting pension payments.
And if you're a regular Money Box listener we'd hope you to know your ISA from your IHT, but do you know the difference between your gross and net salary? Or how to work out how much interest you'd pay on a loan? A group of financial firms and charities is calling for the introduction of an exam which measures how much young people know about basic financial products and services. How might it work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Bisi Adebayo and Luke JarmynResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm on Radio 4 on 28th March 2026)
The government has promised more than £52mn to help people in the UK hit by huge rises in the price of heating oil. Around 1.5 million households in rural areas and particularly in Northern Ireland rely on heating oil for their central heating and the price has more than doubled since the Middle East conflict began. The help will be targeted at vulnerable households but how will it work in practice?
As the Bank of England decides to hold rates at 3.75%, figures show almost 1,000 mortgage deals have disappeared off the market since the start of last week.
How do thieves persuade sensible people to part with thousands of pounds? It's a question many of you have been asking, especially after the item on the programme a fortnight ago about civil servant Sara. She put $250 into what she thought was a cryptocurrency investment but ended up having £337,000 stolen. We'll ask a criminologist about the tricks and tactics that thieves use.
And, which animal did you decide should be on the Bank of England's new banknotes?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Sarah Rogers and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Luke JarmynEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 21st March 2026)
It's been a turbulent week for the mortgage market - as lenders adjusted their rates amid fears of a rise in inflation and what that will mean for interest rates. Average mortgage rates for a 2 and 5 year fix tipped above 5% for the first time since the summer this week, and they've been climbing since. In just a few days time the Bank of England will make its next interest rate decision, but a cut which had been widely anticipated two weeks ago, is now incredibly unlikely. Around 1.8 million people are to come off a fixed mortgage this year, and have some difficult decisions to make - what should they do?
Victims' charities have criticised a long awaited and much delayed fraud strategy published earlier this week by the government. Ministers have described it as a "major upgrade to Britain's defences" with £250mn pounds to be invested over the next three years.
On Thursday a £100 cap on contactless card payments in the UK is being scrapped. The Financial Conduct Authority is giving banks the freedom to set their own limits, and in theory they could even remove the cap altogether. But it turns out many banks are not planning to change the limit at all, at least for now - why?
This week the Bank of England announced that British wildlife will replace historical figures on the next series of Bank of England banknotes. We asked Wildlife TV Presenter & Campaigner Chris Packham to tell us his ideas - from lapwings to foxes.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Bisi AdebayoResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Sat 14th March 2026)
Just seven days has passed since the USA and Israel began their attacks on Iran. As the attacks become heavier and more destructive, the ripples of war are already spreading around the globe. There was an immediate jump in the price of oil and gas, now worsening, as processing plants and facilities are attacked and transport routes disrupted. Petrol prices at the pump have been creeping up too and are expected to rise further. Money Box listeners have been asking what it could mean for the price of gas, electricity, heating oil and filling up their car.
A listener had more than £300,000 stolen from her in an investment scam. What can be done to catch the criminals who robbed her?
And by the end of the month there should be an official free scheme to claim compensation for missold car finance. How will it work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 7th March 2026)
The number of emergency hardship loans issued to former civil servants who are facing long delays for pension payments is "pitiful" according to a senior MP. Clive Betts, the deputy chair of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, has told Money Box the loan system is "not adequate" after figures published for the first time earlier this week show fewer than 600 have been issued - compared to many thousands of people who are missing money. The Cabinet Office says an urgent recovery plan is underway and its immediate priority is to stabilise the service. Capita have previously apologised for the delays.
Nearly one in five adults now use Buy Now, Pay Later - instead of paying the whole cost upfront with a debit or credit card you can spread the cost interest free over three or four monthly payments. At one time it was young people driving the rise. But some new research from the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol (commissioned by the Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust) suggests Buy Now, Pay Later is now spreading to older people. The number using it in their forties and sixties has grown by a third, with the biggest rise in the last two years among people in their fifties with the number using it up by half.
And, as a rare Pokémon card sells for 12 million pounds at auction - what's the appeal for collectors - and what should you think about when buying them?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Jo Krasner and Niamh McDermottEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast Saturday 28th February 2026)
Claims management firms have been warned by regulators to treat their customers fairly over compensation claims for mis-sold car finance. The financial regulator is set to announce its own free-to-use scheme for the millions of people who could be due compensation because the car finance deals they signed up to were mis-sold.Private claims management firms, which have already taken on many claims, can take as much as 40% of any compensation eventually paid out.The warning from the regulator includes telling consumers to guard against large charges to pull out of their claim, so-called exit fees, if they wish to switch to the free scheme.
And, if you've been shopping online recently you may have been asked to eschew your usual credit-card payment in favour of a new way to hand over your money: pay by bank. By cutting out the credit or debit card middlemen, you'll be saving the retailer some cost from payment fees. But what's in it for the online shopper - apart from having to put up with weaker consumer protection?
Also, the savings and investment divide between those who are, and aren't, using the tax-free benefits of a junior ISA and the new figures which show how online scammers are targeting those who are trying to improve their personal finances.
Photo credit: Tim Goode/PA Wire
How hard is it for young people to find a job and once they do how can they make it pay?
Some 16.1% of people aged 16 to 24 are not able to find work according to the latest government figures, the highest level for 10 years. Without a job, being able buying a home, paying into a pension or just pay the bills can seem impossible.
So what's the best way to go? Graduate job, apprenticeship or working your way up from an entry level job and what support is there for those struggling whilst on the hunt?
The Department for Work and Pensions told Money Box Live, "We’re determined to tackle youth unemployment, which is why we’re investing £1.5 billion through our Youth Guarantee in work experience, apprenticeships and subsidised jobs."
Joining Paul Lewis today is Barry Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, a charity focused on reducing youth unemployment. And Lizzie Crowley a skills advisor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers: James Graham and Sarah RogersEditor: Robert CaveSenior Editor: Justin Bones
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 18th of February 2026)
Picture credit BAE Systems
The Chief Executive of Capita Public Services has apologised for the serious delays thousands of civil servants are facing simply to get paid their pensions. Richard Holroyd was speaking to MPs on the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday when he admitted his service was "overwhelmed" when it took over the running of the civil service pension scheme in December. We'll get reaction from people affected and hear from Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Conservative Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
Love might be in the air for some today - but with the roses and candlelight, comes a warning about criminals working in the shadows to trick people into giving away their money. Romance scams are types of fraud when a scammer pretends to be in a relationship with someone to gain money or personal information from them. They often start online or on social media. More than twenty million pounds was lost to romance scams in the first half of last year, up more than a third compared to 2024. We'll hear from one listener who says he lost £30,000 to a romance scam.
How will a planned replacement to the Lifetime ISA work and what will it mean for people who’ve already got one?
And what to do if you think you might be eligible for the Warm Homes Discount this winter but haven't had the payment yet.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Jo Krasner and Niamh McDermottEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 14th February 2026)
Mortgages are one of the most important financial products most of us ever come across, but they're also complicated. With more than 7,000 products on the market, how do you pick the right one for you?
It can feel pretty overwhelming and hard to choose the best product at a time when rates are held at 3.75% but expected to fall, and relaxed lending rules mean some people can borrow 6.5 times their salary over longer terms.
We'll answer listener questions about trackers, what term you should pick, and what to do if you're a first-time buyer.
Paul Lewis is joined by Sally Mitchell, a mortgage advisor at Versed Financial, and Paul Broadhead from the Building Societies Association.
Presenters: Paul Lewis and Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and James GrahamEditor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 11th February 2026)
Debt charity StepChange says its research suggests around 2.5mn people who have debt on a credit card have paid more in interest, fees and charges over the past 18 months than they have repaid off the debt itself. Its survey of 6,000 adults, done by the polling organisation YouGov, found 1 in 20 adults had this persistent credit card debt. Its calling on the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, to improve the lending rules to stop debt building up and and ensure banks are intervening sooner to support customers in difficulty. The FCA says its rules mean that lenders should only provide credit to people who can afford to repay.
The government has started a hardship fund because thousands of newly retired civil servants have been kept waiting months for their pensions to be paid. The Public and Commercial Services union, which represents many civil servants, has described the situation as "catastrophic" and is calling for urgent action to put things right. In a joint statement Capita and the Cabinet Office said they are "deeply sorry for the worry, frustration, and distress this has caused." Adding they both take this responsibility "very seriously and are urgently working together to put this right."
New figures show that banks are refunding more of the money stolen from customer accounts, following new rules which force them to do so.
And as the big lenders offer mortgages worth six times people’s salary, what does this mean for borrowers?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Jo Krasner and Niamh McDermottEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 7th February 2026)
Student loans and their impact on graduates’ finances have dominated the news recently. The average student debt in England for 2024 graduates was approximately £53,000, with repayments being made when salaries hit a certain threshold set by the government.
But, the finer details on who gets what and how it's all repaid varies vastly depending on when and where students study. Rules also differ vastly across the UK.
Recent campaigns have highlighted 'Plan 2' loans which focused on students in England who studied between September 2012 and July 2023 and the Chancellor's decision to freeze the salary threshold for repayments on these loans for three years, which means some graduates will now have to pay even more.
In this episode we'll discuss the rules for current students, past graduates, as well as how maintenance loans are worked out and what support might be available.
Joining Felicity Hannah is Tom Allingham from student money website, Save the Student and Graham Wright from the University of the West of England Bristol and National Association of Money Advisors.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess QuayleSenior Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 4th of February 2026)
Billions of pounds is lost each year to fraud, be that by criminals simply stealing someone's money or by thieves tricking victims into giving them their details before draining their bank accounts. It's a crime that is massively under-reported, with very low conviction rates too. To tackle this, a new agency's been created called 'Report Fraud'. It replaces the problematic "Action Fraud" which had been the place for victims to report fraud for over a decade. Paul Lewis interviews Chief Superintendent Amanda Wolf who's the Head of Report Fraud.
There are calls for a cut in the interest rate on some student loans. In recent weeks some graduates have been saying they feel they were missold their loans, because they're only paying off interest on what they owe, despite high levels of payments. The Department for Education says that its making what it called "tough but fair" decisions to protect taxpayers and students. We'll discuss that with the Higher Education Policy Institute.
There is growing pressure from charities and MPs for the government to introduce statutory regulation of the bailiff sector in England and Wales as a matter of urgency. Campaigners say it's about making sure people who are in debt aren't on the receiving end of bad practice form bailiffs breaking the rules.
And half a million households on heat networks now have new protections when it comes to their heating bills.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Bisi Adebayo and Dan WhitworthResearcher: Niamh McDermottEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast on Radio 4 12pm Saturday 31st January 2026)
The number of people working past retirement age is growing. New analysis of tax data found a 12% rise over the past five years. It was carried out by the specialist employment law firm, Littler, which says official estimates for the last financial year show 2.1 million workers and self-employed people are over state pension age. For some people carrying on working is a positive choice. They enjoy the routine, like the social side, and of course the money but for others it’s much more about necessity, when pensions alone not stretching far enough.
But, how flexible are employers when it comes to older workers and what are the tax implications of collecting your state or private pension while still working?
To talk it all through Felicity Hannah is joined by Zoe Alexander, Director of Policy at Pensions UK, Morgan Vine, Director of Policy at charity Independent Age and Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy at ACAS.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess QuayleSenior Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 28th of January 2026)
The chair of Parliament’s Energy Select Committee has told Money Box it’s “vital” the Energy Ombudsman is given new, stronger powers as quickly as possible. Bill Esterson says that it is too easy for energy suppliers to simply ignore ombudsman decisions leaving consumers powerless. Energy UK, which represents suppliers, says customers have the right to expect a good service and, in the vast majority of cases, suppliers are able to work with the Energy Ombudsman to resolve cases within 28 days.
As people live longer healthier lives more and more are working longer - often well past the state pension of 66. A new analysis of HMRC data found a 12 percent rise in the number of people working past the state pension age over the past five years. What's driving that increase?
Top tips for filing your self-assessment ahead of the deadline next week.
And as the number of payments made by cheque drops, what does the future look like for their usage?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Haider SaleemEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 24th January 2026)
Buying a new car last year increasingly meant going electric. Around one in four new car buyers made that choice with almost half a million electric cars registered over the year, according to industry figures. That means there are more than 1.8 million fully electric cars driving around the UK, which is still only just over 5 per cent of cars on the road. But in the next few years, more motorists will start navigating the change because by 2030 the UK government is banning the sale of new petrol and diesel, with hybrids allowed until 2035. So how much do electric cars to buy and run, and how easy is it to travel long distances in them?
Joining Felicity Hannah are Stuart Masson from the website The Car Expert and Melanie Shufflebotham from Zap Map, which is an app and website showing where public charging points are.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle Senior Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 21st of January 2026)
When it comes to keeping our homes warm nearly all of us rely on just a handful of big energy suppliers. And during the winter, especially with the cold temperatures, we rely on those suppliers to do their job. When they don't customers can firstly complain to their supplier but, if they're still not happy, they can take their complaint to something called the Energy Ombudsman. It's a free, impartial service and gets thousands of complaints every year. In most cases, when the ombudsman makes a decision, that decision is followed to the letter, quickly, by suppliers. But in some cases that doesn't happen - we investigate one listener's battle over a £1,700 bill.
HMRC has told MPs it's going to take more care in how it handles its effort to crack down on fraud and error, after a mistake which led to thousands of families wrongly losing their Child Benefit.
It was the Scottish government's Budget this week and there were quite a few changes promised for people's pockets, we'll round up the details.
And, there's a huge amount to think about when buying a home, from sorting the mortgage to getting quotes for removal companies, but one thing you might not be expecting is that your new home might come with rules telling you what you can and cannot do with it. Restrictive covenants are binding conditions written into the actual property deeds or contracts. What can you do to protect yourself from any financial impacts?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth, Eimear Devlin and Phil SimmResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 17th January 2026)
There's a topic that often appears in the Money Box inbox, inheritance tax.
It's money paid by the estate of someone once they die, as long as the total value of all their property, possessions, cash and soon pensions are worth more than a fixed threshold set by the government.
At the moment Government figures say just 5% of estates actually pay the tax, so relatively low, but there are changes coming in this year and next which could increase that number.
Questions around who pays it and how much it is as well as the rules around passing on wealth to loved ones are never far away from the top of our in tray. So, today we'll answer as many as we can.
Joining presenter Felicity Hannah this week is Clare Moffat, pension and tax specialist at the mutual life, pensions and investment company Royal London and Nina Sperring, wealth protection solicitor and partner at the law firm Price, Slater, Gawne.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 14th of January 2026)
More than 60% of parents who lost their child benefit because the tax office believed incorrectly they'd moved abroad, were in fact eligible for the benefit, which is worth at least a hundred pounds a month. As we've reported on this programme before, the mistakes were made after travel data was used to conclude parents had permanently left the UK, but actually many of them had simply been on holiday. The scale of the mistake has been shown in a written question raised in parliament, where the government revealed that 63% of payments were wrongly suspended. HMRC has apologised to customers who had their Child Benefit suspended incorrectly. It also told us that it estimates that £270 million of Child Benefit payments were incorrectly claimed in 2024-25 – with unreported residency changes a leading cause.
Credit card borrowing rose at the fastest annual rate for almost two years in November. The new data from the Bank of England shows that outstanding credit card balances rose to nearly 78 billion pounds, which is up almost 12 per cent on November the year before. What might be behind that rise?
And the pension ruling which could help boost your pension by 720 pounds every year.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 10th January 2026)
It's 50 years since the Sex Discrimination Act meant all women could take out mortgages and loans without needing a man to approve it.
In this programme we'll take a look at how things have changed for women's finances since then and what challenges they still face. From the cost of childcare to lower wages and pension pots.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Penny East, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, which is a gender equality and women's rights charity, and Louise Claro, Managing Director of Circle Financial Services and an independent financial adviser.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and Catherine LundEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 3pm Wednesday 7th January 2026)
"A big change" - that's how HMRC has described a major transformation starting in April, which affects the way sole traders and landlords report their income and expenses. The tax office has told Money Box that self assessment has to be modernised to reduce errors and allow them to collect more of what's owed to the Treasury. It's called Making Tax Digital and this first wave is going to affect about a million people who have a turnover above £50,000 a year. At the moment, self-employed people put the details of their business accounts into their tax return once a year on the Government's own website or on paper. But from April the new system will force them to use commercial software which sends quarterly summaries to HMRC and then repeats all that information in their end of year tax return to which they must add any other taxable income details. We'll speak to HMRC about that.
According to the financial data firm Moneyfacts, since the Bank of England cut the interest rate to 3.75% in December around a third of providers have dropped their rates on their savings products. Where are the best deals?
As energy prices rise, there's a warning about the scammers trying to trick you into giving away your data.
And new research suggests only 1 in 4 people know about a big change coming for pensions and inheritance tax. We'll answer listener questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 3rd January 2026)
The creative industries add around £124 billion to the UK economy according to government figures, but for actors, painters, or even influencers, making it pay can seem impossible.
The actor Christopher Biggins joins the programme to share how he's managed to work in the arts for more than 50 years as well as exactly what you can earn from Christmas Panto.
We'll also discuss how there's more than just booking the gig, people should also consider setting money aside to pay taxes and think about paying into a pension.
Plus we'll hear from an illustrator, content creator and a theatre group working to improve access to the arts through 'pay what you can' classes.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Jack Gamble, Director at Campaign for the Arts and Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at The Self-Employment Association, IPSE.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 27th of December 2025)
Photo Credit: Simon Hadley
This week the Bank of England cut interest rates to the lowest level for more than two years. The decision to cut Bank Rate to 3.75% came after new figures also showed inflation had slowed, falling to 3.2% in the year to November. What will that mean for mortgages in 2026?
Financial advisors say there's been a rise in older couples getting married because of changes to the rules around inheritance tax and pensions. We'll speak to a couple about their recent decision to tie the knot.
Arguably the most successful investor of all time, Warren Buffett, will retire at the end of this month after sixty years as the CEO of the American company Berkshire Hathaway. What will his legacy be?
And festive messages from just a handful of the listeners we’ve helped over the past 12 months.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 20th December 2025)
Life can sometimes get very complicated and messy so can our finances, so we're doing something a bit different to our usual Money Box Live.
Introducing Money Box Life where we're looking at the finances of blended families. What we mean is family groups with some children from one parent, some from another and maybe a child or children together thrown into the mix as well.
The number of families living this way is on the increase with some reports suggesting as many as 1 in 3 are blended. So how do people manage it? From birthday presents to who goes on holidays with whom to making a will. And how do the children feel about it all?
Joining Felicity Hannha is Jo Thurston, a parenting coach and advisor for Parent Talk, which is the free online support service from the charity Action for Children and Liz Wyatt, Family Lawyer and Partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and Helen LedwickEditor: Jess QuayleSenior Editor: Sara Wadeson
This episode was first broadcast of Wednesday the 17th of December 2025.
Sweeping changes to the way investments are recommended across the UK will start in April. This week the Financial Conduct Authority set out its plans. The regulator hopes they will encourage more people to invest their savings rather than keep them in cash. From April it will bring in what it calls 'targeted support'. That would allow firms to suggest how customers in different groups should manage their money. The FCA has also issued new guidance on how investments can be marketed and what warnings customers are given. Paul Lewis speaks to its Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Pritchard.
Just 50 years ago, women couldn’t apply for loan or get a mortgage without a man. That came to an end thanks to the Sex Discrimination Act which came into force in December 1975. We'll hear from Kath and Sue who remember what it was like at that time.
And a new scheme aimed at bringing down energy debt targets people who are moving home. We'll speak to Ofgem, the energy regulator, about that.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 13th December 2025)
It’s December, a time of year when there’s pressure to say yes to every night out, buy the perfect presents and spend without really thinking. All that can lead to snap decisions we later regret, whilst for others, impulse spending can be a real issue all year round.
In this programme, Felicity Hannah discusses the psychology behind impulse buying, why do we do it, what are the triggers, and who is impacted most?
We hear from one mum whose impulse spending led to her falling deep in debt and turning to Buy Now Pay Later to pay for the basics, and give advice on where you can get help.
Joining Felicity is Dr Pragya Agarwal, who is a behaviour and data scientist and author, and Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of the debt support charity StepChange.
If you've been affected by the topics raised in this programme, details of organisations offering help and support with debt, hardship or homelessness are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 159 774.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson.
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 10th of December 2025)
New research suggests there are 6 million children across the UK living in fuel poverty, according to the charity National Energy Action. It defines fuel poverty as when a household has to spend at least 10% of its income to keep their home warm. It says the impact on children of living in a home which parents and carers struggle to keep warm can be significant. We'll hear more about what it would like to see change and discuss how the government and suppliers already help those struggling with bills.
Of all the Budget measures perhaps the most misunderstood is the plan to restrict what is called salary sacrifice - giving up some of your pay so your employer can use that money to boost your pension. It won't actually happen until April 2029 but many Money Box listeners have been getting touch with questions. We'll take a look at those.
How to keep Christmas costs low, as a debt charity finds thousands of people used its website for help on Christmas Day.
And how tax relief for people who are asked to work from home is changing.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast on Radio 4 at 12pm Saturday 6th December 2025)
How much do we really understand about our pay?
From frozen tax thresholds to salary sacrifice and minimum wage increases, a number of changes made in the Chancellor's budget might have left you looking a bit more closely at your payslip.
So, what do all those figures mean, what is your employer legally obliged to provide and what can you do if you think your pay is wrong?
Joining Felicity Hannah to answer your questions and comments this week is Dr Hilary Ingham, Professor of Economics at Lancaster University, Funmi Olufunwa, a Personal Finance Expert and financial educator and Kevin Rowan, Director of Dispute Resolution from ACAS the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Helen Ledwick and Sarah RogersEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2025).
The Chancellor announced dozens of changes in the Budget that will affect the money in your pocket from wages and energy bills to savings. Many of them won't happen for some time - years in some cases - so we look at the more imminent tax changes. That will include the freezing of tax thresholds that will see higher taxes for many and changes to the Cash ISA limits.
A "bewildering system" of benefits - that's how the author of a new report has described the plight of tens of thousands of unpaid carers who were thrown into debt because of the overpayment of Carer's Allowance. This week an independent review was published that's been a year in the making. It started because carers had been working but had unwittingly slipped over the amount they're able to earn before losing their Carer's Allowance - a payment they're entitled to if they care for someone for over 35 hours a week, leaving them in debt to the government. Paul Lewis interviews the author of the report Liz Sayce, who has told Money Box the government must implement her recommendations "at pace".
And, the families of thousands of people who were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C by the NHS when it used contaminated blood in the 1970s and 80s will not have to pay tax on the compensation many of them are still waiting for. That commitment came from Rachel Reeves in the Budget, after Money Box reported on a campaign to ensure those relatives weren't subject to inheritance tax bills of tens of even hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 29th November 2025)
For months we’ve heard speculation about what the Autumn Budget might bring - now we know. The Chancellor has delivered her statement, setting out plans for taxes, benefits, and spending. But what does it mean for your money? Our panel of experts break down the key announcements and explain how they could affect you.
Felicity Hannah is joined by David Dodgson, a partner at the independent financial advisors, The Private Office; Helen Thornley, a tax expert from the Association of Taxation Technicians; and Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance specialist for the mutual life and pensions company, Royal London.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Helen LedwickResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 26th of November 2025).
Money Box takes a special look at how victims of fraud are treated by those supposed to help them in the weeks and months afterwards. How are they helped in their fight for justice by the police, their banks and the courts? Or are they all too often left struggling to deal with both the financial and mental impact on their own? We also hear how a small regional charity in the UK has partnered with police to be there for victims when the spotlight of the original crime has faded.
Parents who lost their child benefit because HMRC wrongly believed they had left the country deserved better treatment according to a senior MP. Dame Meg Hillier, the chair of the Treasury Select Committee, made the comments after the tax office stripped payments from almost 24,000 families after it used travel data to conclude they had left the UK permanently. As we previously reported, some of those people had simply been on holiday. HMRC says it took swift action and that, where there was evidence that customers had continued UK employment, it reinstated payments automatically without any need for customer contact and those payments have been backdated.
As the Budget draws nearer how do frozen tax thresholds already impact people and how might that change on Wednesday?
Plus, if you've got significant savings in a UK bank or building society or credit union, the level of protection you’d have if one of them goes bust is to rise from £85k to £120k – how will that work?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 22nd November 2025)
A record number of households across England and Wales are now getting social tariffs from water suppliers to help cut their bills. Two million households now get support according to a new report from the Consumer Council for Water, which is up by 22% on last year. It comes as nearly 3 million are now in debt to water companies, owing an average of £744. What's behind that rise?
If you're a recent graduate - or you know one - then you're probably already aware of how tough the jobs market can be right now. Several recent reports show finding work with a new degree has got harder in recent years. We'll look at what help there is for graduates.
New data shows that hundreds of thousands of former students are eligible for nearly £100 million pounds worth of refunds on their loans. How can you apply?
And how can banks do more to support people with learning disabilities?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast on Radio 4 at 12pm, Saturday 15th November 2025)
MPs on the Treasury Select Committee are seeking answers from HMRC after thousands of parents have had their child benefit stopped because they took a holiday abroad. The mistakes happened during a fraud crackdown on people emigrating from the UK but still claiming the benefit for their children.
Now, among all the financial pressures of recent years the costs faced by parents for school trips has continued to go up. And it's not just a cause for concern for parents, but also for school governors. The body which represents them in England, the National Governance Association, has told Money Box that schools should try to help parents with these costs to ease the growing financial pressures many feel.
Plus, a big change is underway aimed at helping victims of domestic violence in financial trouble. And we continue to look at Budget issues raised by listeners. This week it’s potential changes to council tax. Speculation suggests that the two highest bands, and the way bands are decided, could be subject to change later this month.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinEditor: James GrahamSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
Thousands of people who've paid millions of pounds into an insurance plan they thought would cover their funeral costs face getting nothing in return. The insurer has told them their policies are being cancelled. Some had paid into the plan through their credit union for decades expecting a cash payment to go to their families when they died. But the cover will now come to an end as the insurer says a clause in the contract allows it to pull the plug with 30 days’ notice and give its customers - a number of whom are in their 80s - nothing.
Now you might think receiving one tax demand a year is more than enough, but if you happen to be subjected to a so-called 'Simple Assessment' by HMRC you may well just have received a second one. HMRC have confirmed that they have started either issuing – or updating previously issued – Simple Assessments to include savings interest from 2024-25. But some tax advisors are concerned that people who paid their first bill covering earnings - back in the summer - could easily get confused and find themselves paying twice, once this new demand arrives.
And - with speculation mounting as to what will be in the Chancellor’s budget – now just four weeks away – listeners have contacted us with their views about what may, or may not happen to Cash ISAs. This follows speculation that Rachel Reeves may reduce the cap on the amount you can save tax free in a cash ISA from £20,000 to a much lower amount such as £10,000, with the caveat that savers would be incentivised to invest more into the stocks and shares of British companies.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Sarah Rogers, Jo KrasnerResearchers: Eimear Devlin, Catherine LundEditor: Craig HendersonSnr News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
Inflation may not be in double digits anymore, but it is still almost double the Bank of England's target. That means prices are rising twice as fast as they should be.
So we might have come through the cost of living crisis - but many people are still feeling its impact.
Today we're asking: how are you beating the squeeze? And, in this week of trick or treating, how are you making sure you can still afford the treats?
Presenter FELICITY HANNAH is joined by expert guests NEIL BELLAMY, consumer insights director at the market research firm NIQ, LISA WEBB, senior lawyer at the consumer champion Which? and the consumer journalist, HARRY WALLOP.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Catherine Lund, James GrahamEditors: Jess Quayle, Craig HendersonSenior News Editor; Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on Wednesday 29th October).
Lawyers acting for victims of the infected blood scandal have written to the Chancellor demanding urgent action to avoid families and loved ones having to pay £100,000s in tax. The government has previously said compensation payments would not be subject to Inheritance Tax. But with around 3,000 victims having already died they say a change in the rules is needed to avoid their loved ones facing huge tax bills. The Treasury says it's "considering" the issue and a decision will be made at the Budget.
Plans to reform standing charges for gas and electricity "will not work" and should be scrapped, the trade body for the energy industry Energy UK has told Money Box. Standing charges are the fixed daily cost that households pay just to be connect to electricity or gas supply. They rose sharply this month to an average £320 a year - more than £6 a week - a cost you must pay before you turn on a light or cook your dinner. Suppliers say they cover the cost of providing and maintaining the supply. However, the energy regulator Ofgem is considering proposals to offer all customers a reduced standing charge, but at the cost of paying more for the electricity and gas they actually use. It says that will increase choice for consumers but Energy UK wants them to rethink the proposal.
How much will benefits rise in April?
And with one month to go, what would you like to know ahead of the Autumn Budget?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 12pm on Saturday 25th October 2025)
For some it's the dream, for others it's the plan, for most it's an effort. On this programme we look at buying a first home. It's rarely easy but plenty of people are making the jump. The property site Zoopla says first time buyers accounted for 40% of sales in the first half of the year.
But the picture can be so different depending on where you live and how much family support you can tap into. We'll hear from those who've just bought as well as others struggling to make it work because their salaries are out of step with prices.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Richard Donnell who heads the research and insights team at the property website Zoopla and Jane King a mortgage adviser at the firm, Ash Ridge.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James GrahamEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on Wednesday the 22nd October 2025).
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute is warning people to keep a close eye on their bank and credit card accounts after thousands of unsuspecting shoppers have said they're having money taken without their knowledge. Individual payments are usually quite low, but if not spotted, they can quickly start to add up. Trading Standards say it's "outrageous" these payments are being taken without explicit consent. How can you spot and stop these payments?
Two thirds of first time buyers are overpaying their mortgage and one in six hope to be mortgage free by the time they're 40 according to a report from TSB. Is it the same for other mortgage holders and what should you think about if you're considering overpaying on your mortgage?
More than half of adults in the UK do not have a will. So if they die they will have no say in how their money, property, and possessions are distributed. WillAid, where solicitors all over the UK make free wills and suggest a donation to charity in exchange. How does it all work and what happens if someone dies without a will?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerProducers: Robert CaveEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 12pm on Saturday 18th October 2025)
The government wants more young people to be offered "gold standard apprenticeships". The plan was unveiled at the Labour party conference as the Prime Minister ditched the ambition for half of young people to go to university.
So we're looking at the financial side of apprenticeships, from how much they pay to what they can mean for a family's finances.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Ben Rowland, the author of Understanding Apprenticeships and also the chief executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, a trade body for organisations that train apprentices. And also Rachel Kayes, community manager for the Association of Apprentices, an apprentice support body with around 50,000 members.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James GrahamEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 15th of October 2025).
The Chancellor wants more people to invest in shares, UK companies and infrastructure projects in a bid to boost growth in the economy. Rachel Reeves argued in her recent Mansion House speech that it would make people better off, but this kind of investment involves risk and is making some people nervous. We put those concerns to Treasury Minister Lucy Rigby.
When is the best time to start a pension? Around 45,000 parents and grandparents seem to think saving should start when you're born. Figures from HMRC show nearly £80 million was invested in private pensions for children in 2022/23 that's up 15%. And the buyers of around 14 million cars who were deceived or misled about the commission paid to the dealer when they took out a car loan are set to receive an average payout of £700 for each deal. That estimate came from the Financial Conduct Authority this week when it set out details of a plan to compensate them, but it's less than the 'up-to-£950' it had suggested just a few months ago.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine LundProducers: Robert Cave, Craig HendersonEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Justin Bones
(First broadcast at 12pm on Saturday 11th October 2025)
Money Box Live hits the road and heads to the heart of the City of London for this special programme on investing. We're live at the London Stock Exchange to look at the basics and weigh up the different options.
According to the Financial Conduct Authority, about a third of adults had some sort of investment last year, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants savers to put more money into investments, arguing it will bring better returns and help boost the economy. But is it really for everyone? And how do you actually do it?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Julia Sage-Bell, senior policy advisor at the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA), Philippa Hann, chief executive of financial advice firm Paradigm Morton and Louise Claro, an independent financial adviser at Circle Financial Services.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James Graham and Helen LedwickEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on Wednesday the 8th of October 2025).
Cash now accounts for less than 10% of all the retail payments we make. New figures out this week UK Finance, which represents banks and others, show the latest in the long term decline of cash. Just over a year ago new rules from the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority said banks had to ensure customers had access to their cash and could take their money out in cash, but at the same time the number of shops putting up the card only signs has increased. What does that mean for the future of cash?
On Monday it will be 6 months until the state pension age begins to rise from 66 to 67. How will that transition work?
The price cap on electricity and gas went up this week - affecting millions of households across England, Wales and Scotland. The energy regulator, Ofgem, says gas and electricity bills will increase by an average of 2% but it's the costs of electricity that's rising, not gas.
And what can do to ensure that your pension is being invested ethically?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Luke Wilson and Niamh McDermottResearcher: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 4th October 2025)
More of us than ever before have access to private medical insurance. New data shared with Money Box Live shows that more than 8 million people were covered last year - that's about 5 million adults, plus their families. It's a rise of 4% on the previous year and comes after a series of sharp increases since the pandemic.
We find out what's driving the growth, who's buying the policies and hear from those who have used private health services.
We're joined by Tim Read, director of research at the health sector data firm LaingBuisson which is behind the numbers and has just published its annual study into the private medical cover market, and Tina Jennings, general secretary of the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries, a trade body representing insurance companies and brokers working in this field.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: James GrahamEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on Wednesday the 1st of October 2025).
The National Association of Head Teachers has written to the Department for Education demanding it take action to address what it describes as the failing Teachers' Pensions Scheme. The union has told Money Box it's shocked at the number of members contacting it for help describing a litany of delays, miscommunication and the failure to carry out even basic services leaving many in financial disarray. The government says it understands these problems have caused frustration and it's continuing to work closely with Teachers’ Pensions to resolve these issue as soon as possible.
This year's Winter Fuel Payment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is going to all pensioners but instead of everyone keeping it, those who have an income of more than £35,000 will have it taken back by HMRC. How will that work in practice?
Fake news stories about the state pension have been worrying many listeners. We'll have some advice on what to look out for.
And tens of thousands of motorists could be eligible for a share of £200m in compensation after insurers paid them too little on their claims.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Catherine LundResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 27th September 2025)
Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, are a type of digital money that has proliferated in recent years. They are mostly unconnected to governments or central banks. Some people treat them as an investment, some people as a bit of a flutter, and many more people don't yet know anything about them at all.
We look at how they work and how the regulatory landscape is changing with the UK's financial regulator the Financial Conduct Authority currently consulting on a range of proposals. It could mean crypto-related firms will be covered by the same requirements as traditional financial firms, boosting consumer protections.
It comes as Action Fraud, which is the UK's national reporting centre for cybercrime, says crypto-related scams jumped by 16% last year. In fact, it accounted for two thirds of all investment fraud reports.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Kate Baucherel, a digital strategy consultant specialising in emerging technologies like crypto, and Louise Abbott, a partner at Keystone Law with a focus on fraud, crypto and asset recovery.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James GrahamEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on Wednesday the 24th of September 2025).
Top lawyers have told Money Box that people across the UK are being misled into paying thousands of pounds for products which they are told will protect the value of their home from inheritance tax or being taken to pay for care home fees. In reality, they say, these schemes do not work and may trigger legal complications and huge financial costs in the future. Usually the products involve setting up some sort of 'trust' but they are often sold by people who are not lawyers and are not regulated. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, asked over a hundred its own members and found 95% of those lawyers surveyed said they had seen such products being missold and more than 4 in 5 said they had clients who had been misled.
Buy-to-let mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest level in almost three years and there is more choice of mortgage products for buy to let landlords than ever before. The data, which comes from Money Facts, might be good news for any landlords coming to the end of a 2 year fix when rates were higher, but not for those who fixed 5 years ago when rates were much lower. What does it mean for the market?
The state pension looks set to increase by more than inflation in April - that would mean an extra £500 a year for many. And why are house prices rising faster in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 20th September 2025)
This week on Money Box Live we're looking at a topic that's very difficult but very important. What happens to your finances when the worst happens? How do you plan for your financial future when you've been diagnosed with a life-limiting or terminal illness?
It's a question a group of MPs have been asking too. The All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospice and End of Life Care has found that people can face real hardship because they often have extra costs combined with a loss of earnings.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Jamie Thunder, senior policy manager for financial security at the end of life charity Marie Curie and Nina Sperring, partner at Price, Slater, Gawne solicitors. She's also a member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which specialises in estates and wills. We also hear from Nathaniel Dye, a music teacher who was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer at 36.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: James Graham and Helen LedwickEditor: Jess QuayleSenior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast at 3pm Wednesday 17th September 2025)
New figures reveal that more than a quarter of a million homeowners have temporarily reduced their mortgages payments, or extended their mortgage term, since lenders agreed to offer better support to customers in June 2023 through what was called the Mortgage Charter.
There's been a sharp rise in people taking their tax-free lump sum out of their pension over the past year. Since 2015 people over the age of 55 could take 25 per cent of their pension pots tax-free and then use the rest as they wished. These figures from the regulator the Financial Conduct Authority show tens of thousands more people made that choice - why?
Millions of people are missing out on tens of billions of pounds worth of help ranging from benefits to social tariffs from utility companies. That's according to the latest analysis Policy in Practice suggests. What type of benefits are people missing out on?
And the £100 limit on contactless card payments looks set to be scrapped. The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, published plans this week to let banks set their own limit - or indeed have no limit at all.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner
Researcher: Eimear Devlin
Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm on Radio 4 on Saturday 13th September 2025)
About a quarter of a million 18-year-olds in the UK secured a university place this summer and are now preparing to head off to their chosen institution. The numbers increased by about 5% at a time when the costs associated with getting a degree are also rising.
There's a patchwork of different funding models across the UK, but for students in England and Wales tuition fees have gone up for the first time in eight years. We take a look at how tuition and day-to-day costs are funded across the UK, and hear from students about their housing - another major cost that has been increasing.
Debt is also now a major part of the university experience, with students in England graduating with an average debt of £53,000. One graduate explains how she has struggled to make a dent in her debt over the past 10 years despite holding well paid jobs.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Tom Allingham from the student money website Save the Student and Clare Dickens, director of the Student Life team at the University of Wolverhampton.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producers: James Graham and Helen Ledwick
Editor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 10th of September 2025).
We look at changes which the Government has announced – and the speculation around those it hasn’t. Pension inheritance rules will change in 2027. It may seem a long time away, but people are making plans now. We hear from some of those pension planners as they try to clear up any confusion around the changes. We also look at speculation around what might be in the Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget, which she announced this week will take place on November 26.
His Majesty's Revenue and Customs tells Money Box it's deploying hundreds of staff to bring down waiting times for people making claims about missing state pension payments. It's already written to 370,000 people, mainly women, who took time off work to care for children and now might be getting less money than they should be because of an error in their National Insurance records. But given that HMRC has already admitted it's been, in its words, "inherently challenging" to try to fix the problem it might come as little surprise the vast majority of people still missing money, haven't been paid what they're owed.
Just a few weeks ago thousands of would-be university students found out whether they had achieved the right grades to get into the university of their choice. Now comes the reality check, when many wonder how they will afford to pay for it. Some argue that the level of Government maintenance loans only covers half the true cost of student living. The Higher Education Policy Institute has just conducted a study into maintenance loans in England and reckons they only cover half of the true costs of student life.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Researchers: Amber Mehmood, Jo Krasner, Catherine Lund
Editors: Jess Quayle, Craig Henderson
Being a tenant can be pricey — and it’s only getting pricier.
Private rents rose by almost six per cent in the year to July, and while the pace may be slowing, the average UK rent still stands at over £1,300 a month. So what does that mean for the millions of people living in private rented homes?
This week on Money Box Live, we're looking at the cost of renting — and what it’s doing to your finances.
We’ll hear from a family forced to live apart because they can’t afford to rent together, and from a woman struggling to rent because of debt problems. We’ll ask what the upcoming Renters Rights Bill means for tenants — and what tax breaks are available to people who choose to rent out a spare room.
With rising prices, limited supply, and big reforms on the horizon, join us as we unpack the pressures facing renters — and what support is out there.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Matt Hutchinson from Spare Room, Vicky Spratt, Housing Correspondent for The i, and Matt Sheeran from Money Wellness
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producer: Helen Ledwick
Editors: Jess Quayle and Craig Henderson
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 3rd of September 2025).
Hundreds of former retained firefighters have come forward to claim millions of pounds in missing pension payments after Money Box covered the story earlier this summer. We'd reported how their union, the Fire and Rescue Service Association, had warned thousands of its members risked missing out on the payments very often worth tens of thousands of pounds for each individual.
Scammers have been sending texts pretending to be from the government to try and trick pensioners into applying for the Winter Fuel Payment. That's a payment that can be worth up to £300 off energy bills over the colder months. It's prompted the Department for Work and Pensions to issue a warning, telling people to beware of the texts, which ask people to click on link which could be used to steal money from victims.
How are the rumours about changes to stamp duty affecting the housing market?
And a reminder that if you’re the parent or carer of a 16-19 year old you’ve got until Sunday to renew your child benefit claim.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Researchers: Catherine Lund and Eimear Devlin
Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 12pm Saturday 30th August 2025)
Dragons' Den investor and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden joins Felicity Hannah to look at the money wisdom and advice you wish you'd known when you were starting out.
They hear from listeners who say they wish they'd known more about everything, from how to budget to asking for a pay rise. Others regret not understanding the power of compound interest or what to do with a workplace pension after changing jobs.
Dave Fishwick, founder of Burnley Savings and Loans, sets out his top tips and explains his biggest money mistake. And maths teacher and broadcaster Bobby Seagull stresses the importance of financial education. They're also joined by financial planner Kirsty Stone from the financial advice firm The Private Office.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producers: Sarah Rogers and James Graham
Editor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 3pm on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 30th of July 2025)
When will you retire? And will you have enough money to live comfortably? Big questions and this week the government announced two major reviews to study them after concerns that today's workers will be poorer in retirement than their parents. The first is a revived Pension Commission with a wide remit. The second is a review into the state pension age. We'll speak to Pensions UK, which represents pension schemes that together provide a retirement income to more than 30 million people.
From September working parents of children aged 9 months to school age will get 30 hours of childcare funded by the Government. It simplifies the present system which has different rules at different ages and means working parents of children under three will potentially save thousands of pounds on the cost of childcare. Who is eligible and how does it work?
Thousands of people who were retained firefighters are being urged to claim pension payments worth thousands or tens of thousands of pounds. Retained or on-call firefighters generally work part-time. Sixteen thousand of their colleagues have already claimed but a further 10,000 could be eligible to buy back pensions after two legal changes in the past few years.
And some money saving tips for anyone going abroad for their summer holiday.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner
Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Catherine Lund
Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 26th July 2025)
Every adult has a credit score but you've been telling us the factors affecting it can be mystifying and frustrating. So in this edition of Money Box Live we've been digging into the inbox to answer your questions on credit scores.
Whether you’re trying to get a mortgage or loan or just the best rate on a credit card, the information on your file can have a big impact at any stage of life, so what does it all mean and if you want to improve yours, how can you do it?
We'll hear from someone battling to rectify his score after fraudsters took over his credit card and we hear from a man with an excellent credit rating who is struggling to get any credit at all.
Felicity Hannah is joined by John Webb, a credit expert at the credit reference agency Experian, and Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer and consumer champion at Which?
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producer: Sarah Rogers
Editor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first aired on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 23rd of July 2025)
For every £1 a man has in his private pension pot a woman has just 42p according to research from pension company Royal London.
When it comes to the State Pension, the gap has closed considerably for people retiring today. But women in their 80s are still getting up to 25% less than men.
This week on Money Box Live, we're looking at the reasons behind is as well as what can be done to boost savings.
Find out more about a little known pot of money the government has set aside mainly for women, who didn't work because they were looking after children, between 1978 and 2010 - which is largely going unclaimed. We also hear the struggle of a woman who struggled after the state pension age for women was raised from 60 to 66 and what might happen next with the campaign against it.
With Felicity Hannah is Sir Steve Webb, former pensions minister and and now partner at pensions consultancy Lane Clark and Peacock and Daniela Silcock who has her own pensions research company.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producer: Sarah Rogers and Helen Ledwick
Editor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 16th of July 2025)
The fight against what is called push payment fraud - when victims are groomed and manipulated into transferring money to criminals - took a huge step forward in October when new regulations for banks and other finance companies were introduced to make the banks involved liable for the losses. It was the result of years of campaigning which Money Box has reported on from the very beginning. Now the first set of figures since then shows it is working better, but still not perfect. We'll hear from David Geale the Chief Executive of the Payment Systems Regulator.
This week, some of Britain's biggest pension funds have pledged to invest more of the money they look after into UK assets. Seventeen major workplace pension providers have signed the Mansion House Accord, a voluntary initiative which commits them to invest at least 10% of the pension funds into what it calls 'private markets' with half of that invested in the UK. The Treasury says this commitment will drive more investment into infrastructure and businesses, while driving higher returns for savers and reducing risk through diversified asset holdings. We'll speak to the Chief Executive of The People's Pension which is the UK's largest workplace pension fund.
If you get child benefit for a child aged 16 or over it will stop on 31 August unless you tell HMRC to continue paying it. What do you need to know?
And are we becoming too reliant on digital banking when we should all have some cash for emergencies?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Eimear Devlin and Catherine LundResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 17th May 2025)
Earlier this spring the Financial Conduct Authority warned that some banks and firms lack empathy when dealing with bereaved customers and called for them to do more.
Money Box Live received a huge response from our listeners when we covered the story, with emails from listeners about how they coped with their grief while managing finances following the death of a loved one.
Felicity Hannah is joined by lawyer Gary Rycroft and Sarah Middlemiss, from the end of life charity Marie Curie, to answer those questions and hear those experiences.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Catherine Lund and Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 14th of May 2025)
Around 1 in 2 people living in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime according to Cancer Research UK. That stark statistic is a reminder how the disease can impact families up and down the country, but it's not just the health of people diagnosed that can forever be changed. The finances of those who survive the disease can also be devastating too. We'll hear from a man recovering from a cancer diagnosis about how it impacted his life, and speak to a charity that is calling for better financial support for cancer survivors.
As the Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4.25%, we’ll discuss what the best deals are at the moment. Data shows that while some lenders are offering deals at less than 4%, you’d need a big deposit and have to pay a fee, so what is out there and who can get it?
And investment platforms should be required to pass on voting rights to shareholders. That's the call from the trade body, the Association of Investment Companies. If you buy a share in a company you have the right to vote on corporate decisions. At the moment, some investment platforms pass on the right to vote, others require you to opt-in, some don't pass on the rights at all and some even charge to do it. The AIC wants that to change so that all platforms are required to pass on the rights, which would require a change in the law. In response, the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association says a wholesale change to regulation to force this issue could result in significant costs to firms and an overwhelming level of paperwork for customers.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast on Radio 4 at 12pm on Saturday 10th May 2025)
If your home isn't working for you, should you pack up and move or get the builders in and improve?
Moving is expensive, aside from the price of the house there's Stamp Duty and solicitors fees to think about. So, is it worth getting the builders in instead if you're desperate for an extra bedroom? Insurance firm Aviva predicts 7 million of us will renovate over the next two years, spending an average of £14,000 each.
But what happens if the renovations go wrong, you run out of money, or you're hoping to move but no-one wants to buy your home?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Beth Rudolf from the Conveyancing Association and Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah Rogers/Helen LedwickEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 7th of May 2025)
People over the age of 60 hold nearly £3 trillion of wealth in the value of their homes, almost all of it mortgage free. That is more than half of all housing wealth in the UK. Under 35s by contrast control only £600 billion and half of that is mortgaged. These startling figures were published recently by the upmarket estate agent Savills which has analysed housing data in Britain for many years. It says this disparity between young and old has never been bigger.
MPs, charities and free debt advice providers are calling for an urgent change in the law to help protect the finances of thousands of domestic abuse survivors. At the moment people, mainly women, who are left in debt after fleeing abusive relationships normally have to have their names and addresses published as part of the process of getting that debt written off. Something campaigners say not only puts their personal safety at risk, but can also put them off addressing financial problems altogether. The government has said its currently reviewing this matter and will update in due course.
And, annuities are a safe, regular income in retirement. You can use your pension fund to buy one and a growing number of people are doing just that. Sales of annuities have seen an 83% increase since 2020, based on figures from the Association of British Insurers. We'll discuss what's behind that rise.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 12pm Saturday 3rd May 2025)
In an exclusive interview with this programme the Pensions Minister has talked about the government's plans to reform the UK's pension system. Torsten Bell has said that pension schemes should be moving more of members' money out of shares and into infrastructure projects where returns are higher. And he announced a new plan this week to bring millions of small pension pots together into one multibillion pound so-called 'consolidator scheme'. Hear that interview with Paul Lewis in full.
Banks, building societies, utility suppliers and pension providers "must do far better" when it comes to helping people deal with the finances of loved ones who've died. That's what the Chief Executive of Hospice UK, Toby Porter, has told this programme. We'll discuss best practice and what can be done to improve poor service.
And a government savings scheme designed to help people on low incomes is being extended and widened. How does Help to Save work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast 12pm Saturday 26th April 2025)
Parents typically pay an average of more than £80 per week for a childminder and £66 per week for after-school club, to cover the hours they're working. That's according to the latest data from the charity Coram Family and Childcare.
This week a new trial of free breakfast clubs launched at 750 schools across England, and the government says it'll save parents as much as £450 in childcare costs. Wales and Scotland already have programmes to provide free breakfasts to children in some primary schools.
In this programme Money Box Live discusses what help is available to try and cut the costs of wraparound care.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Lydia Hodges, Head of Coram Family and Childcare, and Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance at the investment platform AJ Bell.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(The episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 23rd of April 2025).
Money Box investigates fees being charged of teenagers who are struggling to access their child trust funds. We speak to an 18 year old who agreed to pay a claims management firm 25% of his fund plus VAT, not realising he could do it for free. Lord David Blunkett was in government when Child Trust Funds were created in 2002, he tells Money Box that the unclaimed public money sitting in CTFs should be going to young people not firms looking to cash in. Gold has seen rising prices this week in response to global markets turmoil. The precious metal is traditionally seen as a safe investment during times of economic turbulence. We look at the pros and cons of investing in gold and the different ways to do it. Bank branches continue to close and in some remaining branches hours or services are being reduced. We hear from a Money Box listener who struggled to make a face to face appointment at his local bank branch.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Sarah RogersResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Beatrice Pickup
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 19th April 2025)
New analysis shows that some parts of England have waiting lists for social housing that exceed 100 years. Recently the government pledged £2 billion of new investment to build up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes. But will that be enough? Felicity Hannah is joined by Jasmine Basran of the housing charity Crisis, and Alastair Smyth of the National Housing Federation.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Neil Morrow and Sarah RogersEditor: Beatrice Pickup
The stock markets have been on somewhat of a roller coaster since US president Trump announced global trade tariffs. Listeners emailed Money Box to tell us about the impact of the fall out in their pensions and investments. The advice from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association which speaks for pension companies is 'if you still have many years until you retire, you have plenty of time to recover short-term price falls'. But, what happens if you're retiring right now and you've seen your pension plummet?
Also on the programme, the amount we owe on our credit cards is at record levels, topping £73 billion. But is increased borrowing an indication of consumer confidence or personal crisis?
And do you know you state pension age? Research suggests many of close to retirement don't.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerOutput Producer: Craig HendersonEditor: Sarah Rogers
(This episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 12th of April on BBC Radio 4)
US Trade tariffs, stock market ups and downs, economic uncertainty. What do they all mean for your money?
Since last Wednesday, when Donald Trump announced huge increases in tariffs for goods being imported by the USA, global stock markets have been in turmoil. Money Box Live is discussing what these events might mean for your personal finances, over the short, medium, and longer term.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell, and Kirsty Stone of The Private Office. And they'll be taking questions from listeners.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Eimear DevlinProducer: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
Stock markets around the world have plunged in reaction to the import tariffs imposed by President Trump and then the retaliation of China which responded with its own tariffs on American goods. Economists have warned that this trade war could seriously damage the world economy, and make all of us poorer. By the end of Friday shares traded in London had fallen nearly 5% in price. What does that mean for investments?
The earnings limit on Carer’s Allowance is to rise this week. From 7th April working carers can earn up to £196 per week after certain deductions, the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage, and continue to claim Carer’s Allowance. That's an increase of £45 compared to the previous earnings threshold. But what, if anything, does that mean for the thousands of carers who're in debt because they unwittingly got overpayments of the benefit?
Last year we tapped our cards 19 billion times in shops, pubs, cafes, and retail outlets without using our PIN. At the moment the upper limit for contactless card payments in person is £100, but regulators are considering raising it or even scrapping it altogether. What would that mean in practice?
And, a reminder to get your postage stamps before the cost of them goes up.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Peter Ruddick and Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 5th April, 2025)
The cost of just about everything we need to run a home will be more expensive for millions of households from Tuesday. Switching on the lights, turning on the heating, turning on the tap, calling your mum or your best friend, logging on to emails, will all cost more with rises usually well above the rate of inflation. We'll have tips on how to tackle those bills if you're struggling to pay them.
A payment service provider for hundreds of schools has decided to cease trading in the UK. What does this mean for parents who still have money on their accounts?
And hundreds of thousands of better off parents who claim Child Benefit should soon have a simpler way of paying the tax they owe on it. Some higher earners who’ve had to register for self-assessment to pay something called the ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge’ will soon be able to pay it via PAYE. What does the announcement, which was in the Spring Statement, mean in practice?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 29th March, 2025)
As the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, presents her Spring Statement, Money Box Live sifts through the details about what it all means for your personal finances.
Changes to the welfare system have already been announced. It will be harder to claim a disability benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under plans which the government says will get more people into work. We'll analysis any new details on that.
The Spring Statement comes ahead of big plans already announced in last year's Autumn Budget such as changes to stamp duty for home buyers and an increase to National Insurance Contributions for some employers, so as well as dissecting new announcements we'll also remind you what else coming in and when.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at pensions company Royal London; Elsa Littlewood, Tax Partner at the accountancy firm BDO and Mike Brewer, Chief Economist and Deputy Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersReporter: Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 26th March, 2025)
We report from Parliament as the Minister for Energy Consumers and the regulator Ofgem face questions from MPs about the banned process of back-billing. That's when energy suppliers wrongly send new bills for energy use longer than 12 months ago. We'll get reaction from Labour MP Bill Esterson who is the Chair of the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero committee, which sat on Wednesday.
And the biggest shake-up to benefits in a decade was announced by the government this week. It hopes the changes will ultimately save it five billion pounds a year from a benefits bill which Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told Parliament was 'a failing system that is currently not sustainable'. She proposed major changes to some benefits, what will this mean in practice?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 22nd March 2025)
There will be no compensation for more than 46,000 people who lost thousands of pounds each when the funeral plan firm Safe Hands went bust 3 years ago. The regulator - the Financial Conduct Authority - was told this week it should consider compensating them after a report by Rachel Kent, the Complaints Commissioner, set out the FCA's failings over Safe Hands. In response, the FCA has said it does not accept it was at fault, that it did not regulate the funeral planning firm at the time, and no compensation would be paid.
This month the Government has announced plans to scrap new leasehold flats, replacing it with a system called commonhold already used in Scotland where homeowners collectively own the building and the land. But how will the planned improvements to the rights of existing leaseholders work?
There's changes to how 'side-hustlers' report their earnings to HMRC, but it's not a tax cut, how will that work?
And there's extra money to help pensioners in Northern Ireland with their heating bills.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Sarah Rogers.
(This programme was first broadcast at 12pm Saturday the 15th of March 2025)
Over the past few weeks there's been speculation over the future of ISAs - Individual Savings Accounts. At the moment each saver can deposit up to £20,000 each tax year into an ISA tax-free, but there have been reports that the Treasury is considering making some changes. Things like lowering the limit to £4,000. In a statement to Money Box the Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that while it's important to support people to save, they want to get the balance right. She wants to create "more of a culture in the UK of retail investing." What does that mean and what might change?
Some listeners have been experiencing delays after trying to boost their state pension by filling old gaps in their National Insurance record. At the moment a window is open for people who have not yet reached pension age and those already on the new state pension to fill gaps in their record back as far as 2006. But in just a few weeks time that window will close. The government told us that it's processing payments as quickly as possible and that people who at least take the first step by 5 April will still be able to fill those gaps.
Are water companies banned from sending out bills for water used more than 12 months ago as energy suppliers are? And more than 35,000 people who were aged 55 or over took out new mortgage loans in the last 3 months of 2024, up 30% on the year before, what's behind the rise?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 8th March 2025)
From April water bills for millions of households in England and Wales will go up by record amounts. Exactly how much more you'll pay will depend where you live but, on average, bills will increase by more than £10 per month meaning a total average cost of over £600 a year. What can you do if you're struggling with those bills?
There's just a month left for people in the process of buying a home in England and Northern Ireland to complete the sale before stamp duty rises on April the first. Some estimates suggest there could be tens of thousands of buyers who will miss that deadline by just a few days. What can you do if you're trying to hit that deadline?
Train fares in England and Wales will go up on Sunday. At the same time, most railcards, which give you cheaper fares in England Wales and Scotland, will cost you more. We'll have more on that.
And energy prices will also go up in April. We’ll take a look at the issue of standing charges. Why do they vary regionally, and how might Ofgem’s proposals to reform them work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Haider SaleemResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 1st March 2025)
Politicians, banks and builders all talk about the dream of homeownership, but it's not easy to get on the property ladder.
New figures given to Money Box Live show that, even though the Bank of England has reduced interest rates, it's now more expensive for a first-time buyer with a 10% deposit than it was two years ago.
In this Money Box Live we hear from someone trying to save enough for a deposit, someone trying to navigate through conveyancing to complete their sale - and someone who overcame the obstacles and challenges to move into their dream home.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Sarah Tucker, Director and Founder of the broker the Mortgage Mum and Emily Williams, Director, Residential Research at the estate agent Savills.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 26th February 2025)
The energy regulator Ofgem says suppliers must take urgent action to find out how widespread a problem back billing is. It's when suppliers send out new bills for electricity and gas from longer than 12 months ago, a practice that was banned in 2018. The development follows Money Box's investigation which discovered thousands of people have wrongly been receiving back bills. Paul Lewis interviews Tim Jarvis, Director General of Markets at Ofgem.
And unspent pension pots will be subject to inheritance tax from 2027. This change, announced by Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget, means most unused pension funds will be included within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes from 6th April 2027. Money Box has been getting lots of emails from listeners who're now reconsidering their financial planning and are worried and upset about the new rules. The Treasury told us it continues to incentivise pensions savings for their intended purpose of funding retirement instead of them being openly used as a vehicle to transfer wealth. But how will the new rules work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah RogersResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 22nd February 2025)
People owe more money for gas and electricity bills than ever before. New calculations from the energy consultancy firm Baringa reveal the average typical energy debt is £1,500 - that's up £300 in a year. The total owed to energy companies is 3.8 billion pounds, which is almost double what it was two years ago.
Energy prices are also forecast to rise by 5% from April, adding £85 a year to household bills meaning a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity would pay £1823 a year.
In this Money Box Live, we're finding out how to manage energy debts and how to avoid getting into the red in the first place.
Ruth Alexander is joined by Matthew Sheeran from the free debt advice provider, Money Wellness, and Eleanor Taylor from Baringa.
Presenter: Ruth AlexanderProducers: Sarah Rogers, Catherine Lund and Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm on Wednesday 19th February 2025)
The energy regulator Ofgem has been given less than two weeks to get answers for Parliament on the banned practice of back billing, which is when people are sent new bills for energy used longer than 12 months ago. In a letter written to the Chief Executive of Ofgem the chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero committee highlights Money Box's recent investigation into back billing, saying he considers there to be evidence of serious wrong doing on the part of energy suppliers and the need for intervention on the part of the regulator. Ofgem told Money Box it's reviewing supplier billing practices and "looking closely at supplier compliance with back billing rules to make sure customers get the service they are entitled to." For the first time since our investigation began Paul Lewis interviews Dhara Vyas, the chief executive of Energy UK, which represents energy suppliers.
State pensions paid to tens of millions of people will go up in April by 4.1%, but depending on how your pension is paid - weekly or monthly - some people may not get the extra money until May. How to make sure you get it as soon as possible.
And people who get into debt often find that it gets worse because of the high interest rates they are paying. Often they are only paying interest not reducing the amount owed at all. A new scheme by credit unions is trying to solve that by giving an affordable loan to people in debt at a low rates of interest so they can pay off their expensive debt and afford the repayments on their new debt. How will it work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Peter RuddickResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo Krasner.Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 15th February 2025)
We all dream about what we will do when we don't have to work anymore. The perfect retirement looks different for everyone, from travelling the world and luxury holidays to spending more time with family and friends, but the cost of stopping work can be bit of a wake-up call.
In this Money Box Live we'll look at how to make the most of the savings you have as retirement approaches to how to start planning for retirement at the start of your career.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Sangita Chawla, Managing Director at Standard Life and Zoe Alexander, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association to answer your questions - and offer tips on how to plan for a good retirement.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 3pm Wednesday 12th February, 2025.)
The Chair of the House of Commons Energy Security Committee has told Money Box that the behaviour of the energy firms is "outrageous" following our investigation into so called back-billing. That's when energy firms send out a new bill for gas or electricity which was used more than 12 months before. Last week we reported that thousands of people have complained that is still going on.
Energy UK, which speaks for the big suppliers said if customers think they are being asked to pay for energy covered by the back-billing policy, they should contact their supplier as soon as possible to resolve the complaint quickly and efficiently.
The Department for Work and Pensions asks executors and families to repay state pensions it has sent to people who have already died. It says it asks for it back to protect public funds, but do you have to pay?
And high interest rates means more people paying tax on interest savings, but how do you know and what are the rules?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Jo Krasner and Eimear DevlinEditor: Sarah Rogers
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 8th February 2025)
Paying for care in later life is something many of us will face. Unlike other NHS services, social care is not free at the point of use, the average annual care home cost is £60,000, if additional care is needed that price will go up.
After a recent special Money Box Live from Grange Care Residential Home in Sheffield we received so many questions that we simply couldn't get through them all on air, so we've raided the inbox and brought in the experts to return to the topic to answer as many was we can.
From how to plan to pay for care, what your money pays for, and how to challenge fees, Felicity Hannah, is joined by Tish Hanifan, the Founder of the Society of Later Life Advisors and Vic Rayner, CEO of the National Care Forum and Chair of the Care Providers Alliance.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Catherine Lund/Sarah RogersEditor: Sarah Rogers
(This programme was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 5th of February, 2025).
Thousands of people have made complaints to the Energy Ombudsman related to so-called back billing, which is when customers are sent new bills for energy use longer than 12 months prior. The practice was banned by the regulator Ofgem in 2018 but is still causing consumers problems. In the cases investigated by Money Box customers had to complain multiple times before their suppliers recognised they'd broken these rules and cancelled the bills. Ofgem says it's committed to reviewing billing practices while the trade industry body Energy UK says suppliers are continuously working to improve practices.
Is the Lifetime ISA fit for purpose in 2025? That's the question being asked as Parliament's Treasury Committee calls for evidence about whether it is still an appropriate financial product nine years after it was created. We'll discuss how it works successfully for some, but also the problems some people face.
The price people in England and Wales pay for water and sewage services will rise sharply from 1st April. Figures announced this week revealed that households in England and Wales will pay on average £123 a year more for their water. What can you do if you're worried about affording your bills?
And thousands of people in Northern Ireland are still without power after Storm Éowyn last week - what help is available?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 1st February 2025)
Research from charity Scope suggests that disabled households have to find an extra £1,000 pounds a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
Extra costs include, heating, equipment and transport. Having a disability can also mean navigating the benefits system - a system that Chancellor Rachel Reeves said today would undergo reform by the spring, as the government struggles to manage the rising cost of claims.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Dan White from Disability Rights UK and Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance at Hargreaves Lansdown.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 29th January 2025)
Over 1.4 million pensioners unexpectedly received a tax bill last year, according to exclusive data shared with Money Box. The mutual life, pensions and investment firm Royal London says its research suggests more than two thirds of those who'd retired paid tax on their pension income last year. But, also, that 1 in 7 of those didn't expect to do so. Pensioners can pay tax on anything that counts as income if it goes over the personal tax free allowance of £12,570 a year. We'll discuss how that works.
A record number of people in England and Wales who were overwhelmed by their debts took out what is called a debt relief order last year. DROs freeze people's debts for 12 months and then write them off. They're a cheaper, more straightforward alternative to bankruptcy although there are serious financial implications and strict criteria about who can apply for them. We'll find out more about what's behind that rise.
Savings rates are still high but there's £300 billion in bank accounts earning nothing, what's behind that?
And, unexpected mobile and broadband mid-contract price rises are now banned after a change by the regulator. What does that mean?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 25th January 2025)
Car, home, travel and life insurance are just some of the policies we might take out to protect ourselves if the worst happens.
This year we've already seen floods followed by freezing temperatures and property claim pay outs hit £4.1 billion last year according to industry figures.
So this week we look at whether insurance companies step up when we need them, and more widely at the rising costs of insurance, particularly for motorists.
Felicity Hannah is joined by experts Mark Shepherd from the Association of British Insurers, and Sam Richardson, Deputy Editor of Which? Money.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah Rogers and Craig HendersonEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 3p.m. on Wednesday 22nd of January 2025)
A senior MP has backed calls to start automatically paying out hundreds of millions of pounds to young adults if they haven’t claimed government-backed child trusts funds by the time they turn 21. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who is also chair of parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, says the move would help nearly half a million people born between 2002 and 2011 access one billion pounds of their own money that they don’t even know about. The government says the idea would be complex and costly.
There has been a lot of talk on the news about gilts and the bond market. We're joined by Russ Mould, the investment director of AJ Bell, to explain what a gilt is and whether you can buy one?
There's less than three months left to boost your state pension by to filling old gaps in your National Insurance record. At the moment people who have not yet reached pension age and those already on the new state pension can fill gaps in their record back as far as 2006. From this April that window will be shut. What should you do, if you think you've got gaps to fill?
And, the couple who boosted their income by more than a hundred pounds a week after listening to Money Box. Find out how they did it.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 18th January 2025)
1 in 5 parents say they're struggling with the cost of sending their children to school according to the National Parent Survey.
There're uniform costs, school trips, afterschool clubs and school dinners to consider, but is there a way to keep costs down?
Some changes are on the way with government plans to give every parent of a child in a state primary school in England the legal right to a half hour breakfast club, as well as limits on how many branded uniform parents have to buy.
This week Felicity Hannah will hear from parents and is joined by Jo Thurston, parenting coach from Action for Children’s Parent Talk service, Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at the investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown and Neil Renton, Head Teacher of Harrogate Grammar School.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 15th of January 2025)
The Government made a start this week on its manifesto promise to provide free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill got through its first big step in the House of Commons on Wednesday and will give every parent of a child in a state primary school in England the legal right to a half hour breakfast club for their children with food and childcare. Schools Minister Stephen Morgan speaks to Paul Lewis about the plans.
New research form the housing and homelessness charity Shelter, seen exclusively by this programme, suggests more than half of those facing housing worries have been kept awake at night over the past year due to concerns about things like high rents, poor conditions and the risk of eviction. What can be done to help them?
And millions of people who need to file a self assessment tax form have still not done it - and the deadline is less than three weeks away on January 31st. Listen for the Money Box guide on what you need to know.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Emma Smith, Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 11th January 2025)
Money Box Live broadcasts from Grange Crescent Residential Care Home in Sheffield for a special programme on the cost of care.
Unlike NHS services, social care is not free at the point of use. It costs an average of around £60,000 per year to live in a residential care home and considerably more if you need nursing care.
Last week the Department of Health and Social Care announced a new review into care costs, but the independent commission tasked with the job will not publish it's final report until 2028.
We'll be speaking to residents and family members about how they're paying their care bills and hearing from the care home manager about how it all works.
Joining Felicity Hannah is Claire Rintoul, CEO of the charity Sheffcare which operates Grange Crescent Residential Care Home as well as eight others in the city, Professor Vic Rayner, Chair of the Care Providers Alliance which represents independent and voluntary adult social care providers in England and from the Society of later life advisors, Independent Financial Advisor Jonathan Rowley.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersProduction Coordinators: Emma Smith and Molly PipeEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast 3pm on Wednesday the 8th of January, 2025)
Temperatures have fallen below zero in much of the UK this week, just as gas and electricity prices rose. From New Year's Day the price cap set by the regulator Ofgem on every unit of power we use will mean the price for heating, washing and cooking for a typical household will rise by just over one per cent. A typical bill will go up £21 a year to £1,738. But, that is in fact 10% or £190 lower than the price cap set a year ago. How are people coping with costs this winter?
From New Year's Day the fees private schools charge parents will be subject to VAT at 20%. Previously private school fees were exempt. The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association has told Money Box that schools are raising fees from this term by between 13% and 18%, though some are absorbing the whole cost while others pass on the full amount raising fees by 20%. What impact will that have on schools and parents? The Treasury says pupils numbers at independent schools have remained steady since 2000, despite fees increasing by around 75% in real terms since then. We'll speak to Rudolf Eliott Lockhart - CEO of the Independent Schools Association.
From 1st January catching the bus could cost you 50% more. Single fares in England which had been capped at £2 have risen by a pound to a maximum of £3. What impact will that have on passengers?
And 'tis the season to be - taking things back. What are your refund rights?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Emma Smith, Catherine Lund and Eimear Devlin.Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12noon Saturday 4th January 2025)
There are 36 million pets in the UK, which doesn't include fish and other aquatics, and the cost of owning one can add up.
One of the biggest bills a pet owner can face is the price of taking their animal to the vet.
The Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation earlier this year into whether people are paying too much and whether they are getting information about treatment options. It says the 'unprecedented response' it's had shows the strength of feeling.
Aside from that, there's the general cost of care like food and heating bills.
This week Felicity Hannah is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, dog owner, vet and current president of the British Veterinary Association and by Lisa Webb, dog and cat owner and senior lawyer at the consumer organisation Which?
We also hear from an award winning dog breeder, a cat and rabbit rescue centre and even head to a dog Christmas party - although we must point out, a pet is for life, not just for the festive season.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 28th of December 2024).
Electricity and gas suppliers say they're offering hundreds of millions of pounds of additional support for customers this winter. Energy prices will rise again on New Year's Day and the latest figures from the regulator Ofgem show customers already owe suppliers a record £3.7bn in unpaid bills. We'll look at what help customers might be able to get if they're struggling to pay their bills.
On Thursday the Bank of England kept the Bank Rate unchanged at 4.75%. We'll ask a mortgage broker what buyers can expect in 2025?
As a deadline approaches for government funded childcare hours for some working parents – how does it work and how can they apply?
We'll look back at some of the help given to Money Box listeners this year and hear music from the Barton Road Choir.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Emma Smith and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 21st December 2024)
Almost half of us are making money from side hustles according to the comparison site, Finder.
But how do they work, what do you need to do if you have one and when do you need to tell the tax office?
We will be meeting those using their hobbies to boost their bank balances this Christmas as well as clearing up the rules around selling on online platforms.
Joining Felicity Hannah is Helen Thornley from the Association of Tax Technicians and Vicks Rodwell of IPSE, the association for self-employed people. Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and Neil MorrowProduction Coordinator: Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 18th December 2024)
Some councils in England are offering vouchers or money directly to pensioners who've lost out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year. The money is being offered as part of the Household Support Fund, which is money given by the government to local councils to use to help residents who're struggling with essential bills, like energy and food costs. Winter Fuel Payment can be £200 or £300, but this year it's means tested, meaning millions of people will no longer get it. Money Box has found that some pensioners may still be able to get help with their energy bills via their council, if they've just missed on qualifying but are still struggling. The government says over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment and that its drive to boost Pension Credit take up has seen applications more than double with over 40,000 more pensioners now receiving it.
The law relating to how couples split their assets and provide for each other and any children after divorce was last changed in England and Wales more than fifty years ago. On Wednesday the Law Commission which advises the government on how well laws are working will publish its findings on whether the current rules deliver fair and consistent outcomes. If it finds problems it will make suggestions for how they might be solved. We'll discuss what those options might be.
And, we often talk about how hard it is for young people to afford buy their first home - but how easy is to manage finances once you get on the property ladder?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Emma Smith and Jo Krasner
(First broadcast 12noon Saturday 14th December 2024)
The British public is expected to donate close to £3bn to good causes over the festive season according to research from the Charities Aid Foundation.
If you are giving this year, how can you make sure all of your money gets to your favourite charity or if the charity is even real?
We'll be considering the different ways to give and giving advice on how to avoid scams as well as hearing from some charities about how they're faring.
Felicity Hannah is joined by David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charities Commission for England and Wales and Philippa Cornish, Head of Charities at the Charities Aid Foundation.
She also chats to best friends and super fundraisers Hughie and Freddie, who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Children's hospitals.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and Catherine LundResearcher: Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 11th of December 2024)
Around 9 out of 10 charities have told a new report they've had at least one issue with banking in the past two years. The Charity Finance Group and National Council for Voluntary Organisations spoke to almost 2,000 charities in the UK and found more than three quarters had struggled to change the named signatories on their bank account and 4 in 10 said that the checks they were asked to complete weren't designed for voluntary organisations. We'll speak to one of the authors of that report and get reaction from UK Finance, which represents banks.
What were the key announcements in the Scottish Budget? We'll discuss income tax thresholds and a promise to lift the two-child benefit cap.
If you're a pensioner missing the Winter Fuel Payment this year - what other help could you get if you're struggling? We'll look at Attendance Allowance - who's eligible and how you can apply.
And, what's the best advice to make sure you're not inadvertently insuring the same thing twice?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Emma Smith and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 7th December 2024)
Almost a million women are trapped in dangerous relationships because of economic abuse, figures from a dedicated charity suggest.
Economic abuse is now a legally recognised form of domestic abuse. It could include not allowing access to cash or bank accounts or the things money buys like food and clothing.
The charity Surviving Economic Abuse reports that 1 in 7 women in the UK have experienced this kind of control and coercion at the hands of a partner and we know that men can face it too.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Sam Smethers the CEO of Charity Surviving Economic Abuse and also solicitor Gary Rycroft.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersResearcher: Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this programme then details of help are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 155 947.
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 4th of December 2024)
A new report about the UK’s main financial regulator was published this week, concluding the Financial Conduct Authority is "seen as incompetent at best, dishonest at worst." The report was put together by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services, which is made up of cross-party MPs and members of the House of Lords. They spoke to victims of financial scandals who lost money in frauds and heard testimony from people who worked, and some who still do work, for the organisation. The FCA has said it sympathises with those who have lost out as a result of wrongdoing in financial services, however it strongly rejects the characterisation of the organisation. We'll hear from the co-author of the report and, in his first interview since its publication, we'll speak to Nikhil Rathi, the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority.
What deals can people expect if they’re re-mortgaging their homes over the next 6 months? We'll hear from listeners affected and get some advice from a mortgage broker.
And, the 9 year old coin collector who has found a special £2 coin and wants to know whether to spend it or save it.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 30th November 2024)
More than 800,000 people have called a dedicated fraud line, which connects them with their bank if they think they’re being scammed, since it started 3 years ago. Stop Scams UK, which set up 159, says 20 banks are now part of the service. We'll hear from a woman who called the number after losing £4,000 in a scam and find out more about how it works.
Complaints about the wealth manager St James Place have risen sharply amid a major historical review of the ongoing fees it charged its customers. Fifteen thousand clients complained to the company directly in the first half of this year, and complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service quadrupled in that time compared to the year before. St James Place says beginning last year, it saw an increase in the number of complaints received. While these have since reduced, it continues to do everything it can to work through them as quickly as possible. It has put in place processes including training and recruitment to maximise the number it can complete without jeopardising the quality of the investigation, and says that it apologises for any delays clients may experience during that time.
Some first-time buyers are finding that Lifetime ISAs, a government scheme that adds a 25% bonus to everything you put in towards your deposit, aren't working for them when they come to buy a home. It is because there's a £450,000 cap on the price of the property you can buy, which some find prices them out of buying where they live. The Treasury says that across the vast majority of the country and in most London boroughs, the average price for a first-time home remains below the cap.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm November 23th 2024)
A record number of people in England and Wales are getting help with the cost of their water bills. The number of people on low incomes who have been given a reduction in their bill grew last year by 250,000 to 1.6 million. They are called 'social tariffs' but newly released data from the Consumer Council for Water shows the amount people get varies widely depending on where they live. Water UK, which represents the water industry, says these are average figures with eligible customers able to receive a much higher deduction. Dan Whitworth will have the full details of this story.
In a week where changes to Inheritance Tax for farmers have dominated the headlines, we’ll discuss how the changes will work and who will be affected.
There's a new inflation measure developed specifically for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Consumer Prices Index allows statisticians to compare how fast prices are rising against the UK rate. We'll find out more about how it's calculated.
Plus, the listener who got a £1,500 refund on his student loan after listening to Money Box.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Emma Smith and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 16th November 2024)
New research estimates that there are more than 3 million lost pension pots in the UK. These are pensions that have been paid into by an employer but the scheme can no longer find the person who owns it. The Pensions Policy Institute research also found number of lost pots has risen more than 17% since 2022. The Department for Work and Pensions told us millions of people will be saved from losing track of their pension pots thanks to its plans to consolidate deferred small pots in its forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill. The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association says the industry has funded campaigns to raise awareness. Go to gov.uk and search 'pension tracing' to find contact details for your old pensions.
Hundreds of thousands of former university students are being urged to check if they have paid too much towards their student loan and if so to claim a refund. The campaign group Save the Student made the call in response to new figures from the Student Loans Company, published for the first time, which show former students are eligible for refunds worth £184m.
And in last week's Budget the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced a reduction in the level of debt repayments that can be taken from a household’s Universal Credit payment each month. The new "Fair Repayment Rate" will reduce Universal Credit deductions from 25% to 15% per month. The government says that means that 1.2 million households will keep more of their award each month and those who benefit will gain an average of £420 a year.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Emma Smith and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday November 9th 2024)
Wednesday saw the first Budget from a Labour government for nearly 15 years and the first ever delivered by a female Chancellor. Rachel Reeves wasn't the first to stand up in the Commons and announce tax rises, but the scale of them was large by historical standards - about £40bn a year by 2029/30.
The bulk of that will come from raising National Insurance contributions paid by employers. There will also be higher rates of Capital Gains Tax, VAT on private school fees, changes to Inheritance Tax and a rise in stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland.
As promised, there was no rise in the rates of Income Tax, VAT or National Insurance in what the government called the payslips of working people. There was some welcome news as the freeze on Income Tax thresholds will end in April 2028, minimum wages will rise, and the tax on petrol and diesel will not. Paul Lewis discusses the details with a panel of experts.
And, could a landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal pave the way for millions of pounds of compensation for people who bought their cars on finance?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Sarah Rogers and Neil MorrowResearchers: Emma Smith and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday November 2nd 2024)
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced her Budget but what does it mean for yours?
Money Box Live is breaking down what the Budget mean for your finances, from pensions and Inheritance Tax to the cost of a pint. We hear from the experts who are on hand to answer your questions and comments.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Dr Arun Advani, Professor of Economics at the University of Warwick and Kirsty Stone a partner at the independent financial advisers, The Private Office.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 30th of October 2024)
There are just a few days to go until Rachel Reeves stands up in Parliament to deliver her first Budget as Chancellor. Since the Labour Party won the election in July, there's been a huge amount of speculation about what she might do to plug what she calls a 22 billion pound black hole left by the previous government. The Treasury says it does not comment on speculation around tax changes outside of fiscal events. But what tax changes might she make and how are people already preparing?
Figures seen by this programme suggest 2.5mn households will face tough decisions this winter about choosing whether to heat their homes or put food on their table. That's an increase of 400,000 in just a few months. The numbers come from official data modelled by the consultancy firm Baringa and indicate many of those who will be affected this winter are middle aged people struggling to get by.
What do changes to Premium Bond rates mean for savers and where are the best deals at the moment?
And, as the Financial Conduct Authority cracks down on some so-called “finfluencers” – for potentially giving money advice illegally – how can you spot the good from the bad?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Jo Krasner and Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 26th October 2024)
More than half a million young people are yet to claim their Child Trust Fund which could be worth up to £2,200 according to the government, but how do you know if your child has one or even how to get it?
Plus with the Chancellor's budget on the way, we know parents are topping up Junior ISAs and giving away monetary gifts ahead of any changes she might make.
So, today we're looking at how to build a solid financial future for the children in your life and how to help get them get engaged when it comes to their finances.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People at the Money Charity and Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah Rogers and Craig HendersonEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 23rd of October 2024)
It was a big week for carers as the Government announced an independent review into Carer's Allowance overpayments after families were told to pay back thousands of pounds, often pushing them into debt.
The review will look at what happened, but in the meantime the Department for Work and Pensions has told Money Box it will continue to collect almost quarter of a billion pounds it says it's owed from more than a hundred thousand carers. We hear from Karina who cares for her 22-year-old daughter and ended up in £11,000 worth of debt. The DWP said it is committed to working with anyone struggling with repayment terms.
A major investment firm has said it will review its Child Trust Fund accounts after Money Box revealed one young man's £250 investment had all but disappeared when he claimed it at 18 due to high administration charges.
In the run up to the Chancellor's budget we look at fuel duty and whether the 5p cut could be scrapped. And beware the thieves pretending to offer a solution to lost Winter Fuel Payments.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Emma SmithResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Sarah Rogers
Each year it’s estimated that £23 billion worth of help and support – from housing benefits to pension credit – goes unclaimed according to Policy in Practice.
We look at the kind of help that is available, and hear from listeners on their experiences trying to claim the benefits they’re entitled to, as well as who might be able to get money off their childcare or broadband bills.
Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by a panel of experts who answer your questions on how to make the best of the available support: Rachael Walker, research and policy director at Policy In Practice; Sam Hubbard, Head of Core Services at Citizens Advice in Staffordshire North and Stoke On Trent and David Samson, a benefits expert at Turn2Us.
And we hear from a range of people with their own experiences of trying to secure benefits – sometimes during life-changing moments. Gary from Lincolnshire tells us how he had to become a carer for his poorly wife. But during a difficult journey to obtain benefits, it was only by chance that he discovered certain types of support he was entitled to. Meanwhile, Esther from London tells us how she wasn’t aware she could be entitled to a carer’s allowance for her children – two of whom have complex needs .
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Craig HendersonEditor: Sarah Rogers
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday 16th October 2024).
The Government is writing to 120,000 people aged 66 or more encouraging them to claim the means-tested benefit pension credit, which will also entitle them to the winter fuel payment. The letters will go out from next month to people the Department for Work and Pensions has identified as likely to be entitled following a targeted trial scheme last year.
Also on the programme, a leading debt charity calls for the way council tax debt is collected to be reformed, and why do millions of renters not insure their belongings?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Emma SmithResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Sarah Rogers
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 12th October 2024)
Buying a home is legendarily one of the most stressful events in life so today on Money Box Live we're going to try to take some of the pressure off by talking you through how it should work.
Obviously there's much more to it than finding your dream house and a lot that can happen between viewing a property and getting the keys.
We talk to first-time buyers on the property hunt in Stockport in Greater Manchester, and our panel of experts, Simon Gammon, Head of Finance at Knight Frank and Beth Rudolf from the Conveyancing Association joins Felicity Hannah to take questions from listeners.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Craig Henderson/Sarah RogersEditor: Sarah Rogers
This episode was first broadcast on Weds 9th October 2024.
In a special programme broadcast live from the Atrium in Quay House at MediaCityUK, Paul Lewis discusses a momentous change in the way banks treat customers who have money stolen from their bank accounts by what is called Authorised Push Payment Fraud.
In 2023 a record number of people lost hundreds of millions of pounds to thieves who tricked them, manipulated them and then drained their bank accounts.
On October 7th new rules will come into force which mean nearly all transfers will be covered, so that victims will be refunded in the vast majority of cases up to a limit of £85,000.
Money Box gets hundreds of emails from people who've lost money to scams and frauds and this will be life changing for those who find themselves a victim of this kind of crime.
To mark this change, the team will be joined by a panel of experts and people who've lost thousands of pounds in these sort of scams.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerStudio Producer: Sarah RogersStudio Managers: Pete Smith, Matthew Dempsey and Cameron WardEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 5th October 2024)
This month the new government will reveal its plans for the nation's finances in the Budget.
We've been told 'difficult decisions' lie ahead as the Chancellor Rachel Reeves seeks to plug what she says is a £22bn black hole left by the previous government.
There's been plenty of speculation around Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and pensions tax relief - but what are they and who pays them?
Our email inbox has been full of questions from listeners - so on this weeks Money Box Live we will be answering as many as we can.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Elsa Littlewood, Tax partner at accountancy and business advisory firm BDO and Kirsty Stone a financial planner at The Private Office.
We also have a new way to get in touch, WhatsApp Money Box on 03306 783183.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 2nd of October 2024)
A new report given exclusively to Money Box is calling for more help for working families on Universal Credit. The University of Bath’s Institute for Policy Research wants the government to raise earning thresholds for extra help like free school meals, NHS prescriptions, council tax support and NHS dental help. The government says it's committed to supporting low-income families by extending the Household Support Fund by £421 million. It also told us its commitment to reviewing Universal Credit so people receive the support they need, saying it is taking "bold action" to help people into work so they can gain financial independence and break down the barriers to opportunity.
Banking Hubs should start offering more help for customers with advice on scams, getting online and creating Power of Attorneys according to the former chair of the watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority. Charles Randell, who’s now a member of the Financial Inclusion Committee, says banks need to invest more in the hubs as bank branch closures continue to hit communities with more than 6,000 having closed since 2015. UK Finance, which represents banks, says significant ongoing investment is being made to support customers with access to cash and day to day banking needs.
What changes could the Chancellor make to ISAs and Dividends in her October Budget?
And energy prices go up next week - what does it mean for you and how does it work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Catherine LundResearchers: Emma Smith and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 28th September 2024)
Across the UK freshers are heading off to university, many leaving home for the first time and most of them are paying for at least some of that with their student loans.
Graduates in England leave university with average debts of around £48,500 according to the Student Loans Company.
Tuition fees vary depending on where you live in the UK. Last year students in England were told they'd be paying back their loans longer than the graduates who came before them.
So, this week we're looking at how much a degree really costs. Felicity Hannah will be joined by Tom Allingham from Save the Student and Kellie McAlonan, Chair of the charity the National Association of Student Money Advisers.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast 3pm on Wednesday 25th September 2024)
People are missing out on nearly two billion pounds' worth of discounts on water bills and broadband, according to Citizen's Advice. Social tariffs give lower prices to people on low incomes, but the charity says there's a "postcode lottery" when it comes to what people can get. The government says more than 1.3 million households in England and Wales benefitted from £200m worth of help with water bills in 2022/23 and that it's working with broadband providers to raise awareness of social tariffs. Industry groups say many customers choose low-cost broadband over social tariffs and the number of households getting help paying for water should double by 2030.
How might the Chancellor change tax relief on pensions in the upcoming budget?
More than 11 million people used Open Banking in July - that figure was up by 12 percent on the month before. We'll discuss how it works.
And, have you been affected by a scam? Ahead of a special programme on October 5th we'd like to know your experiences - email moneybox@bbc.co.uk.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Jo Krasner and Emma SmithEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 21st September 2024)
There are nearly 70,000 children in the UK who are in foster care.
Foster carers main concern has to be the children they look after, including many who have experienced neglect and trauma. But they are self-employed, so there are also financial considerations, from allowances and fees, to tax returns and receipts.
In this programme we'll hear from charities, foster carers and care leavers. We'll also discuss new analysis from the Fostering Network, which found foster carers face a post code lottery when it comes to fees they’re paid.
Foster carers are given an allowance to pay for clothes and food - but they're also usually paid extra on top to recognise their time and skills. Those fees aren't fixed though, and local authorities can each individually decide how much to award.
Using freedom of information requests the charity found 60% of local authorities across the UK are paying foster carers the equivalent of less than £5 an hour based on a 40 hour week. Local Authorities are given funding from central government and the devolved nations – the told us they are reviewing support for foster carers.
Felicity Hannah, is joined by Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network and Brenda Farrell, Head of Fostering at Barnardo's.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Weds 18th Sept 2024).
Hundreds of thousands of disabled pensioners will be unfairly impacted by the cut in Winter Fuel Payment, according to two leading charities who've spoken exclusively to Money Box. Disability Rights UK and Age UK have both told us that disabled pensioners often have higher energy bills because of medical needs and sharp cuts to the number of people receiving the payment will disproportionally affect them more than others. The government says it's committed to giving pensioners the dignity and security they deserve in retirement but says given the state of the public finances its inherited it’s right that it targets support to those who need it most. It says its protecting disabled pensioners through extra disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments. And that over a million pensioners will also continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment and those on the full new State Pension will receive over £400 boost through the triple lock.
How might the Chancellor target Inheritance Tax in the upcoming Budget? Latest figures show that the government received a record £7.7 billion from IHT in the 12 months to July, up over 5% on a year before.
And, what can be done to encourage self-employed people to pay into a pension?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 14th September 2024)
Figures given exclusively to Money Box Live show that almost two-thirds of people who called the National Gambling Helpline had gambling related debt. So what are the options and what support is available?
This week Felicity Hannah speaks to those affected by gambling, either themselves or through a family member. Joining her to talk about it are Nicholas Hill from the Money and Pensions Service which is sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions and Raminta Diliso Head of Gambling Related Financial Harm at the Charity GamCare which is in part funded by the gambling industry.
If you've been affected by addiction - help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm on Wednesday 11th September 2024)
Hundreds of millions of pounds has been made available from the government for local authorities across the UK to spend on those most in need of financial help. Known as the Household Support Fund it's made up of £421 million for councils in England with another £79 million for devolved nations. Dan Whitworth meets Sam, who's 28 and got help from the fund via Stockport Disability.
A new report analysing the finances of people on low incomes who apply for loans has found a third were declined because of 'excessive gambling'. Salad Money is a social enterprise, providing credit to people earning between £25k and £35k per year. It says that out of 170,000 people who applied for loans in the first three months of this year, a third were turned down. We'll hear from the CEO of Salad Money, Tim Rooney.
The consultation which could mean fraud victims who lose more than £85k won’t get their money back when new refund rules come into force in October.
And what tax changes could the government make in its first budget? We’ll discuss Capital Gains Tax and how it might be impacted.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 7th September 2024)
Working parents and carers of children aged 9 months or over are now entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare a week during term time.
50 hours of nursery can cost around £14,000 a year, so it's a welcome relief for many. There had been warnings that parents would struggle to find places but the government says it is confident about meeting demand.
From next September, the offer is set to rise to 30 hours, and include children up to school age too.
Education Minister, Baroness Smith has said it'll be a challenge to meet that level of demand with the Department for Education estimating about 85,000 more childcare places and 40,000 extra staff will be needed by 2025.
On today's programme we will be hearing from parents as well as the CEO of Kids Planet, one of the countries largest providers. Felicity Hannah will also be joined by Jonathan Broadberry, Policy Director at the National Day Nurseries Association and Emma Broome, Chief Executive of children's charity Coram.
We'll also look at the new rules coming in to make childcare cheaper in Northern Ireland.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 4th of September, 2024)
Many pensioners in England and Wales will lose Winter Fuel Payments this year. This annual payment had been universal and worth £200 or £300 pounds a year, depending on your age. From this winter it will be restricted to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. The reason for means testing it this way is to save money - about £1.5bn each year. In a statement the government told us that "given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right that we target support to those who need it most." So how will you be affected? The Department for Work and Pensions has urged people to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit - you can check here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.
The Post Office handled a record amount of cash last month with customers either depositing or withdrawing more than £3.7bn. That new figure beat previous record highs set in May and April suggesting not only is there continued demand for cash, but that people are using Post Office branches more and more to get it. Dan Whitworth visits a branch in North Lincolnshire.
And, what does the expansion of funded childcare hours for working parents mean for those who’re set to benefit?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 31st August 2024)
Not every dream job has an obvious route to success, so how do you make your passion project pay without falling behind on your bills?
Visa research shows that around 45% of Gen Zs (people born between the late1990s and the early 2010) have a side hustle, but it's not just for the cash. More than a quarter of those are working at a passion project.
So how do you make it if you want a career in comedy or to bag an Olympic gold? Do you have to tell your boss if you're doing extra work on the side? And what should you do about tax?
Today we're talking to an Olympian who worked as a custody officer, a comic book writer who worked in a biology lab and an aspiring DJ who's on a zero-hours bar contract.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Jack Gamble, Director and CEO of the Campaign for the Arts and employment lawyer Rupa Mooker.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah Rogers & Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 31st July 2024)
Nearly 10,000 people have needed free debt advice because of accidental overpayments by the Department for Work and Pensions in the past 12 months. That's according to figures from Money Wellness, a debt advice company which is funded by the government's Money and Pension Service. It says because most of its clients are low income households these debts can have significant knock-on impacts on the rest of their finances. The DWP says its staff work hard to support customers, and it's important to explore ways to reduce fraud and error so it can support the most vulnerable in society.
What will the new Pensions Bill announced by the Labour government in the King's Speech mean for your finances? We'll discuss plans to bring small pension pots, which people get after short term jobs, together.
Campaigners are calling for bereavement support payments to be extended for longer and for the amount given to families to rise with inflation. At the moment parents under pension age whose partner dies are entitled to bereavement benefits - as much £3,500 followed by 18 monthly payments of up to £350. The charity Widowed and Young would like those payments to be in place for longer. The Department for Work and Pensions told us that it knows losing a loved one is devastating and that it's committed to supporting those most in need through the welfare system.
And what's the best way to pay while you’re on holiday abroad?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Sarah Rogers and Jo KrasnerResearchers: Immie RhodesEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 27th July 2024)
Felicity Hannah looks at giving someone Lasting Power of Attorney - that's the authority to manage your financial affairs in the event that you couldn't.
What are they, how do they work and how much do they cost? This programme is dedicated to answering your questions.
On the panel we have Sam Cox, knowledge officer from the Alzheimer's Society and Melinda Giles, partner and head of court protection at Giles Wilson Law.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 24th July 2024)
New tactics to fight mobile phone fraud are being rolled out across England and Wales. It's when mobile phones are stolen not for the value of the physical handset but for criminals to access the banking and financial apps and steal money from victims. Paul Lewis speaks to the national lead on robbery, Commander Richard Smith, about how new intelligence and techniques to pursue suspects have led to arrests and prosecutions going to court.
More and more of us are paying tax on our savings. Recent figures suggest that in April over 6 million savings accounts were set to earn enough interest to have to pay tax. That is more than double the number of accounts the year before, according to analysis by the lender Shawbrook. In November, HMRC told us that for the majority of customers this tax on savings interest is automatically collected using their tax code, but many listeners get in touch concerned they will have to pay tax and wondering how to do it. What should they do?
Listeners and lawyers who are court appointed deputies say banks won't let them act properly for the person they protect. We’ll speak to the Association of Lifetime Lawyers about what they're seeing. UK Finance, which represents banks, says it knows there's more to be done and that it's working with members and government bodies to look at how greater consistency can be achieved across the industry.
And, what's a children’s pension and how do they work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Catherine Lund Researcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 20th July 2024)
Average rents in the UK rose by well over 8% in the past year, according to the ONS. In today’s King’s Speech, the new government has committed to introducing legislation to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes. That included ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession.
So what will that mean for your money and your home?
Joining us are Jasmine Basran from Crisis - a charity for people experiencing homelessness, Richard Donnell, from the property platform Zoopla and Richard Blanco, a landlord and property expert from the National Residential Landlords Association.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersStudio Producer: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 17th July 2024)
More than 9 out of 10 people did not pay for financial advice in the past two years and that number is growing. The figures come from surveys by the financial services consultancy The LangCat. It found the proportion of people paying for financial advice fell from 11% of adults to 9% between this year's report and one they did a year ago. We'll hear from them about the reasons behind it.
What will the new government do to change employment rights and wages? We’ll discuss the potential new employment bill ahead of the King's Speech.
And the new security measures people can take to protect themselves from mobile phone fraud. This is when people's phones are stolen not for the value of the physical handsets but so criminals can try to access the financial apps stored on them to steal hundreds or, often, thousands of pounds from victims.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Catherine LundResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 13th July 2024)
A new government has taken office so what might that mean for the financial issues you've told us you care about?
A big topic you got in touch with us about is the cost of care in old age.
Unlike NHS services, social care is not free at the point of use and a place in residential care costs around £60,000 a year according to carehome.co.uk. The bill can go up enormously for anyone who needs extra support. Plus it's a devolved issue with different rules depending on where you live.
A cap limiting the cost of personal care to £86,000 per person over a lifetime is due to come into force in October 2025 in England but will this still be the case?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Nadra Ahmed from the National Care Association, which represents care homes and Simon Bottery, Senior Fellow in Social Care at The King's Fund, which is an independent think tank, specialising in health.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah Rogers and Immie RhodesEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday July 10th 2024)
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has swept to power promising change, but there will be no change in the rates of the three big taxes - income tax, National Insurance, and VAT to protect what their Manifesto called 'working people'. So what will the new Labour government and the new Chancellor Rachel Reeves mean for our money?
The listener being chased for more than £60,000 worth of energy debt she didn't owe. It comes as new, exclusive figures reveal more people are seeking help from Citizens Advice over debt collection.
And there are signs that mortgage rates are beginning to creep downwards – what does that mean for those coming off a fixed rate deal?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerStudio Production: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 6th July 2024)
Almost 300,000 flights will take off over the summer months and whilst most holidays go without a hitch, others fail to get off the ground.
Last year saw widespread disruption at airports, in August there was an exceptional IT failure at the UK’s main air traffic services provider NATS over a bank holiday Monday which affected around three quarters of a million people. Strikes and staff shortages also caused disruption.
In this programme we'll discuss what your rights are if your trip is delayed or cancelled, as well as a Brexit passport rule which has been catching thousands of passengers out.
Felicity Hannah is joined by consumer rights champion Jane Hawkes and Sean Tipton from ABTA, which is the association of travel agents and tour operators.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on the 3rd of July 2024.)
This time next week the General Election will be over. As the days count down we'll get into the nitty gritty with listener questions on Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and ISAs.
Some lawyers and listeners who are acting as powers of attorney have told Money Box they're having problems dealing with banks on behalf of their clients and relatives. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, a group of legal professionals who support vulnerable and older people, has also told this programme banks need a more streamlined and consistent approach to dealing with powers of attorney. UK Finance which speaks for the banks acknowledged there is more to be done. It says banks are working with members and government bodies to look at how greater consistency can be achieved across the industry.
And a tribute to former Money Box presenter and founder Vincent Duggleby, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Felicity HannahResearchers: Neil Morrow, Catherine Lund and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 29th June 2024)
Around 38,000 children move into care every year in the UK. That's one every 15 minutes and a significant number of looked-after children will remain in the system until they reach adulthood. So what happens then?
In this programme Felicity Hannah talks about what happens when you leave care. Without the bank of Mum and Dad, what financial support are those young people promised?
We're joined by Jess and Callum, two care leavers as well as Kirsty Doull, Care and Transitions Lead at CELCIS, which is the Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection, Carrie Wilson-Harrop from the Care Leavers Association and Clare Bracey, Policy, Campaigns and Communications Director at the care leavers charity, Become.
Presented and Produced by Felicity Hannah.Producer: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 26th June, 2024)
There's less than a fortnight to go before the polls open in the General Election. The deadline's passed to register to vote, but there's still plenty of time to work out where you'll put that cross on the ballot paper. This week Money Box is talking about housing - focusing on your questions and comments.
Imagine being told you owe more than £7,000 for your gas. You spend months trying to explain there's no way you could possibly owe anywhere near that amount, only to be told one day that because you still haven't paid it your details are being passed onto a debt collection agency. We investigate one listener's story.
And new research shared exclusively with Money Box suggests almost a third of people are struggling to afford their car insurance. In a survey of more than 4,000 people the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, a charity who carry out research to help improve living standards across the UK, found almost 1 in 3 people described their car insurance premiums as ‘unaffordable’. What can you do about it?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Catherine LundResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 22nd June 2024)
The number of people working into their late 60s, their 70s and beyond is rising. In this programme we'll discuss what that means for their employment rights and what it tells us about their finances.
Back in the 90s, only around 5% of peopled aged 65 or older were in work. In the early 2000s, that rose to around 6%. But recently released data from the Office for National Statistics shows that today almost 12% of people in that age group are in some form of employment. That's almost one and a half million people.
Felicity Hannah is joined by older workers to explore their finances, their struggles and their rights to challenge discrimination. She'll be joined by Dr Emily Andrews, Deputy Director for Work at the Centre for Aging Better, and Sarah Jackman, an employment lawyer at the law firm Dentons.
Presented and Produced by Felicity HannahStudio production: Amber MehmoodEditor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 19th June, 2024)
Nineteen days to go before your cross on a ballot paper will help decide who runs the country. You have been telling Money Box what matters to you. This week we'll discuss how much tax you already pay and whether that will change after 4th July.
The head of the UK payment regulator has rejected calls to delay a new fraud reimbursement plan which is due to begin on 7th October. It will mean that victims of fraud are fully reimbursed for losses up to £415,000. We'll have more on this story.
And more than half a million people are now getting help with their finances, often saving substantial sums of money, thanks to something called the Vulnerability Registration Service. What is it and how does it work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Immie Rhodes and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 15th June, 2024)
As we continue our series of listener questions ahead of the election, we focus on the Cost of Care and how care later in life should be paid for. Dan Whitworth has been to Shipley to meet Graham, who’s concerned about the cost of his own care – he wants to know what politicians plan to do about it.
Energy companies are continuing to hang on to billions of pounds of their customers' money, which has built up as credit on their accounts. The energy regulator Ofgem says that during 2023, the average amount of credit in energy accounts for people who pay for their gas and electricity by fixed direct debit was £3.7 billion pounds. What's behind that?
More than half a million people were left without their Child Benefit payment this week, after a technical issue at HMRC. What was done to help them?
And this week, new banknotes featuring a portrait of King Charles III came into circulation – how can you get hold of one?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Jo Krasner and Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 8th June, 2024)
We hear from a pensioner on benefits who tells us she was shocked to find herself having to pay tax on her pension for the first time. With expert help, we explain the so-called ‘triple-lock’ mechanism and why the point at which you can be taxed on your pension has become a big talking point in the election campaign.
Also in the programme, sneaky hidden extras on your online shopping have been banned under new laws passed this month. So called ‘drip pricing’ is when consumers are shown an initial price for an item or service, only to find additional fees are added on later at the checkout. We look what the rules are and how they'll work.
Every time you use Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card to pay for something – the business you’re buying from has to pay fees. Some of these fees are optional, but many of them are mandatory. But now an interim report by the watchdog - the Payments Systems Regulator – found that these fees charged to shops and other businesses by Visa and Mastercard have been rising much faster than inflation, 30 % faster, but that there is no evidence that the service provided has improved
And we look at the scale of fake stamps in the UK. Royal Mail initially responded by charging people a penalty if they received items that were sent with a fake stamp. Although those fines are now ‘paused’, we reveal just how much they amounted to.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Sarah Rogers and Neil Morrow.Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Neil MorrowEditor: Craig Henderson
(This programme was first broadcast Saturday June 1, 2024)
What are the financial issues that you will be considering when you decide how to cast your vote in the General Election in July?Research shows that the economy and inflation are two big issues on our minds - we'll hear from some potential voters on what they'd like to see.
New figures from UK Finance, which represents banks and other finance firms, revealed that in 2023 a record number of people lost more than £450 million to thieves who tricked them, manipulated them and then drained their bank account. The slightly better news is that more of them got their money back. We'll delve into the details.
And almost three quarters of a million tax credit renewal letters are hitting people's doormats over the next few weeks - and thousands of people will need to act or face losing their payments. What should you do if that’s you?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Sandra Hardial and Neil MorrowStudio Producer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast Saturday 25th May 2024)
Money Box can reveal that the government is recouping more than £250m pounds from over 100,000 carers who it says broke the earnings rule and should have lost their carer's allowance. The numbers came from a Parliamentary Question this week asked by the chair of the work and pensions select committee, Twice as many women as men are being chased for these overpayments.
We hear from a carer who has around £5000 worth of debt as well as finding out more about rights for carers affected.
The Department for Work and Pensions told us, “The total amount of Carer’s Allowance overpayments includes historical debts which the department is seeking to recover. In comparison, Carer’s Allowance expenditure is forecast to be £4.2 billion this year alone.” “Carers across the UK are unsung heroes who make a huge difference to someone else’s life, and we have increased Carer's Allowance by almost £1,500 since 2010.”
Also on the programme, a report by spending watchdog the National Audit Office has revealed callers to HMRC helplines were on hold for a total of 789 years in 2022/23.
Are we saving enough for our retirement? Pensions and investment mutual Royal London gives Money Box exclusive figures.
And how do you spend a £50 note? We get to the bottom of what shops are allowed to accept.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sandra HardialResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Sarah Rogers
Do you get as much as you give when it comes to your job?
We've had some important jobs numbers this week - with official data showing there are more vacancies than there were before covid but, the number is falling, while unemployment is rising. But alongside that, wages are going up too - by around 6%.
In this episode, we ask if you’re getting enough value out of your employer. We hear from listeners on how they asked their bosses for a pay rise, how they dealt with back pay and how they're making use of employee perks.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Amanda Arrowsmith, People and Transformation Director for the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, and James Reed, Chairman and CEO at Reed Recruitment.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Sarah Rogers
The Pension Dashboard is intended to provide an online service to millions of people who have paid into a pension at work by showing all their pots and their value in one place. But the National Audit Office this week revealed a 'digital skills' shortage is behind delays, providers now have until October 2026 to connect to it. The costs of the dashboard are also up by almost a quarter to £279 million.
Some people hoping to sell their leasehold homes are being charged large amounts by their freeholder to fill out a simple form which helps the sale to go through smoothly. We hear from 'Harry' who was just days away from exchanging contracts on his two bed flat in London when his sale collapsed because his freeholder wouldn't sign an LPE1 form unless Harry paid more than £20,000. The forms contain information such as ground rent and service charges and rules on pets. Also in the programme we answer listener questions about how to protect your money when banks merge, and applications open on the 12th of May for the next round of government funded childcare. Working parents in England with children aged nine months to under two years can apply for 15 hours of subsidised childcare starting from September. Parents have been encouraged by the Department for Education to act as soon as possible to secure their place.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Sarah Rogers
This episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 11th of May.
This week marks two years since the historic reform in family law, known as the 'no fault divorce', was introduced. It was aimed at reducing conflict during separations and meant that couples could divorce without the need to apportion blame for the breakdown of their marriage. This change led to a surge in new applications at the time.
Divorce itself hits the bank balance with annual incomes falling by an average of £9,700 in the year after separation, according to Legal & General. From living together to sharing bills, sharing debts and sharing accounts, the financial implications can be significant.
In this Money Box episode we're looking at how to separate your finances after a split, and if you are breaking up, at what point should you make up a financial plan?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Gary Rycroft, Senior Partner at Joseph A Jones, and Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance at Hargreaves Lansdown.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Sarah Rogers
(This episode was first broadcast on the 8th May 2024).
Digitally excluded. An elderly couple have their accounts frozen because their documents were out of date - despite having being customers for their bank for nearly two decades. We hear from Tom and Marian Doughty who say they were left with weeks of sleepless nights.
Can you boost your state pension by filling old gaps in your national insurance record? A new online calculator from the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC aims to answer that. The Treasury says the new service will bring “peace of mind” to people planning for their retirement and could help “thousands” of pensioners.
Royal Mail has suspended the £5 penalty it charged people for letters sent with a new barcoded stamp which its machines had identified as fake.
And what happens to your home when you break up with someone? Should you make a financial plan when the relationship is going well, in case it doesn't in the future? Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Sandra HardialStudio producer: Sarah RogersEditor: Neil Morrow
(This episode was first broadcast on the 4th of May, 2024).
Unpaid carers spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone close to them. That someone may have an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or even an addiction, but what matters is that they cannot cope without that care.
There are almost 6 million unpaid carers in the UK with 40% living in poverty according to charity Carers UK.
This week we have a special audio diary from one carer trying to hold down a job around those care commitments, we will also hear from those who have given up work to care full time.
The Department for Work and Pensions told us; 'We recognise the importance of carers, who play a vital role in our communities. We have increased Carer’s Allowance by almost £1,500 since 2010, with those on low incomes potentially eligible for an extra £2,400 a year.'
So if you're unsure about the rules around carers allowance, assessments and where you can get help and support, Felicity Hannah is joined by Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK and Caroline Abrahams, Head of Charity at Age UK,
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Sara Wadeson
This episode was first broadcast on the 1st May 2024.
A senior MP has told Money Box that the government must take urgent action to stop carers working up thousands of pounds of debt after unwittingly receiving overpayments of Carer's Allowance. Unpaid carers, who look after a loved one full time, are entitled to nearly £82 per week in Carer's Allowance. On top of that they can earn up to £151 take home pay. But stray above that earnings limit, even by just a few pence, and they lose the full allowance. The Department for Work and Pensions is alerted on a month by month basis when this happens, but in some cases carers were not told of their mistake for years. Labour MP Stephen Timms, Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee says it should never have taken so long for carers to be notified. The UK's biggest credit card provider, Barclaycard, is cutting minimum payments on its card to 1% from July. It is not the only credit card provider to allow 1% minimum payments, and Barclaycard says it's made the changes to increase flexibility for customers. We look at what it means in practice for customers, in terms of how much more you'll ultimately pay in interest and how long it'll take to pay off the debt. And we return to the subject of ISAs - Individual Savings Accounts. New changes this month should mean that customers can open multiple ISAs of the same type in the same tax year, and make partial transfers of funds between them. Money Box has learnt that many of the biggest ISA providers in the UK are not yet offering customers these new freedoms, why?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerStudio Producer: Craig HendersonEditor: Beatrice Pickup
(first broadcast on Saturday 27th April 2024)
Around 10 million people across the UK live in a leasehold property. That means they viewed the house or flat, bought it, may be paying off a mortgage to eventually own it outright.
However, they are actually tenants of whoever owns the freehold. What they have bought is the right to live in the property for a given amount of time. Sometimes that's for the best part of a thousand years - sometimes it's for much less.
In this episode we hear from leaseholders on what some of the issues are, including ground rent and service charges and what can be done about them. We'll also hear from a charity which relies on leasehold revenues.
It's a system that even ministers have described as feudal - behind the scenes, work continues on the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, which is being examined by members of the House of Lords this week. The Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities say; “It is not fair that many leaseholders face unregulated ground rents for no guaranteed service in return."
The Residential Freehold Association told us; “The Government’s own report into leaseholder perspectives highlighted that the vast majority of leaseholders are content with the leasehold system."
To answer your comments and questions, Felicity Hannah is joined by Matt Lewis, a Consultant Solicitor at Commonhold and Leasehold Experts Limited and Martin Boyd, chair of the government funded Leasehold Advisory Service and also chair of the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, which supports and campaigns on behalf of leaseholders.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers/Amber MehmoodEditor: Beatrice Pickup
This episode was first broadcast on the 24th of April 2024
New regulations aim to ensure that victims of fraud are treated fairly, no matter who they trust with their money. The financial watchdog, the Payment Systems Regulator, says many firms are not doing enough to refund victims of authorised push payment fraud. Currently the majority of high street banks are signed up to a voluntary charter that makes banks liable for customer losses. However many people hold accounts with firms known as Electronic Money Institutions, or EMIs. Such firms are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority but do not have a banking licence. The new rules from the Payment Systems Regulator will be mandatory for both banks and EMIs. When they come into force in October they should cover nearly all payments made by individuals in the UK except international ones and those involving cryptocurrency. We hear from Money Box listener Carol, who had to spend a year fighting to get the money stolen from her refunded.New changes to the way ISAs, Individual Savings Accounts, simpler come in this month. Officially they should mean that savers now have the option to open more than one cash or stocks & shares ISA in the same year. We look at whether providers will be allowing customers to take advantage. And how do you pay for your car insurance? A new report from the consumer organisation Which? found that it can cost much more if you opt for monthly payments. A survey of 39 car insurance providers found an average APR of over 23% was charged for monthly payments, and the highest APR found was over 39%.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Beatrice Pickup
(first broadcast Saturday 20th April 2024)
This week car insurance bosses, appeared in front of MP's as part of an investigation into the cost of premiums.
They're continuing to rise and according to price comparison site Compare the Market are up 46% over the last year, making the typical payment for comprehensive insurance £892 a year.
Consumer group Which? say some insurers are charging 'eye-watering' APR rates on those spreading the cost over the course of 12 months.
So, we put your questions and comments to the Association of British Insurers who tell us it's been a difficult year for the industry.
But it's not just insurance, we're also looking at the cost of fuel, maintenance and of course alternatives to running a car altogether.
To answer your questions and comments Felicity Hannah is joined by Rachel Burgess the editor of magazine Auto car and Stuart Masson from online publication, The Car Expert.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
This episode was first broadcast on Wed 17th April 2024
Tens of thousands of people who juggle caring for a loved one and having a job may be forced to cut the hours they work, according to the charity Carers UK. In April the National Living Wage was increased to £11.44, but the earnings limit for the Carer's Allowance did not go up by the same amount. The result is that some carers will be limited to working just over 13 hours a week, anything above that and they'll lose the entire benefit. Some carers have also faced demands to repay thousands of pounds that they've mistakenly received in over-payments over multiple years.You've been contacting Money Box about rising car insurance costs. The Association of British Insurers says increases are largely down to above inflation increases to the cost of repairs, thefts and replacement cars. We look at how much premiums have risen by and what, if anything, you can do about it. And employers - take note - new changes to employment law in England, Scotland and Wales this month will impact policies on flexible working, redundancy and paternity pay and leave amongst others. We'll speak to an employment lawyer about what these changes will mean in practice for both employees and employers. Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Dan Whitworth
(first broadcast Saturday 13th April 2024)
Data from the Financial Conduct Authority suggests fewer of us are struggling to pay our bills compared to last year, but the numbers are still high.
The watchdog says more than 7 million people were finding it tough to pay bills and make repayments on borrowing at the start of the year, down from almost 11 million last year. However, despite the drop that's still far higher than before the cost of living pressures really started to bite.
Price rises are slowing and energy bills have come down - so this could be a great moment to finally beat your bills back down and build a brilliant budget.
In this episode we look at how to save money on your current repayments, budgeting, recovering from debt and hear from a super saver.
Felicity Hannah is joined by consumer finance expert Martyn James and Jay Lowe, Head of Money Advice at Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke On Trent to answer your comments and questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersReporter: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
This episode was first broadcast on the 10th April 2023.
Data from the Financial Conduct Authority suggests fewer of us are struggling to pay our bills compared to last year, but the numbers are still high.
The watchdog says more than 7 million people were finding it tough to pay bills and make repayments on borrowing at the start of the year, down from almost 11 million last year. However, despite the drop that's still far higher than before the cost of living pressures really started to bite.
Price rises are slowing and energy bills have come down - so this could be a great moment to finally beat your bills back down and build a brilliant budget.
In this episode we look at how to save money on your current repayments, budgeting, recovering from debt and hear from a super saver.
Felicity Hannah is joined by consumer finance expert Martyn James and Jay Lowe, Head of Money Advice at Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke On Trent to answer your comments and questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersReporter: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
This episode was first broadcast on the 10th April 2023.
National Insurance - a tax millions of working age people pay on their wages - is being cut this weekend, for the second time this year. The main rate of National Insurance has now fallen by a third - from 12% last year to just 8%. The Treasury says combined with above-inflation increases to personal tax thresholds since 2010, this will save the average earner over £1,500 compared to what they would otherwise have paid. What difference will it make to your pay?
The debt charity StepChange has told Money Box a third of people they helped last year were behind on their Council Tax payments with an average debt of more than £1,700. What can you do if you're struggling to pay?
Plus, changes to Child Benefit mean it will become available to thousands more families from this weekend - how will that work?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Sarah Rogers and Eimear DevlinResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerProducer: Craig HendersonEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 6th April 2024)
April is a big month for our finances, some bills go up and one or two even come down.
A big relief for many households will be the that energy prices are dropping, but one bill that is still going up is rent.
UK rent prices rose 9% in the 12 months to February.
Research shared exclusively with Money Box Live has revealed you're more likely to be in your overdraft if you're a renter compared to people with mortgages. You're also less likely to have savings to fall back on in an emergency.
Meanwhile government plans to scrap no fault evictions for tenants in England have been delayed. Neither tenants nor landlords are happy with the current position.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance specialist at Royal London, Dan Wilson Craw, Deputy Director at Generation Rent UK, and Richard Donnell, director of research at the property platform Zoopla.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Neil Morrow and Sarah RogersReporter: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on the 3rd April 2024)
April brings many changes for our money, and this programme has all you need to know.
From Monday 1st, there will be higher pay for people on the various minimum wages. For the first time 21 and 22 year olds join people aged 23 and over in getting what's called the National Living Wage. It's going up to £11.44 an hour, a near 10% rise. 18 to 20 year olds get a bigger boost with minimum wage up nearly 15% to £8.60 an hour, while 16 and 17 year olds and those on apprenticeships get the largest increase of more than 21%, taking their minimum hourly pay to £6.40.
On the same day, the Energy Price Cap set by the regulator Ofgem will fall reducing the typical annual bill in England, Scotland, and Wales by 12% to £1,690 per year. That is the lowest it has been for two years. So will it be worth switching suppliers for a new fixed deal?
It's 25 years since the introduction of tax-free ISAs. You have just a few days to make use of this year's allowance and there are some big changes next tax year. we’ve got all you need to know.
Plus, what’s changing next week for childcare, why some people need to do a meter reading, and how to save money on stamps.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 30th March 2024)
More than half of adults don't have a Will according to new research from insurance company Canada Life. The main reason people say they haven't sorted one is that they don't think they have enough money to leave behind.
So what types of Will are there and what do they mean? We'll be hearing from one man who says he was disinherited over changes to a Mirror Will. We also speak to a mother concerned about digital assets following the death of her son.
Plus, what happens if you don't have a Will at all, where will your estate go?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Nina Sperring, Partner at Price, Slater, Gawne solicitors and is a member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which specialises in estates and Wills and Jade Gani, Chief Executive of Circe Law and a Director of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersReporter: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm Wednesday March 27th 2024)
This week marks 10 years since a landmark shift in the way we could all use our pensions. Back in the Spring of 2014 the then Chancellor George Osborne announced plans for new freedoms, allowing people over the age of 55 to take 25 per cent of their pension tax-free and use the rest as they wished. What impact did that have?
Hundreds of survivors of economic and physical domestic abuse have been helped by a new scheme set up by one of the UK's biggest banks. TSB's "Flee Fund" was launched just over a year ago to offer financial help to people trying to escape abusive partners. Dan Whitworth reports from Preston.
There was a rare U-turn from HMRC this week. On Tuesday it announced it was planning to close its self-assessment phone helpline for six months of every year. The tax authority said it wanted people to use a chatbot and access its online services instead. Then, just over 24 hours later, HMRC changed its mind and halted those plans. It says its "listened to the feedback and is halting the helpline changes as it recognises more needs to be done to ensure all taxpayers’ needs are met, whilst also encouraging them to transition to online services.” What does that mean?
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearchers: Luke Smithurst, Eimear Devlin and Sandra Hardial.
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 23rd March 2024)
Mortgage customers face rising rates, vanishing deals and latest figures have shown more people are struggling to keep up with their repayments.
Mortgage arrears, hit a seven-year high in the final quarter of 2023. So what can you do if that's you?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Charlotte Harrison of Skipton Building Society, Sally Mitchell from the Mortgage Mum, and Richard Lane from the debt charity Step Change - to discuss what's going on in the mortgage market and what you need to know.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthProducer: Neil MorrowEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 20th March, 2024)
The number of people falling victim to fraud involving cryptocurrency has more than doubled between 2020 and 2023 according to Action Fraud. The value of such fraud has also increased. Our reporter Dan Whitworth has met one such victim, an 86 year old in South Wales who lost over £70,000. Following a Money Box investigation she's now had her lost life savings refunded. We've been reporting on difficulties people are having moving from working tax credits to Universal Credit. We hear from a listener who runs an annual skinny dipping event to raise money for charity, she's been told by her work coach that all her fundraising will be considered personal income for the purposes of Universal Credit. In a week that some lenders increase interest rates, figures from the Bank of England show an increase in arrears on mortgage accounts. We hear how people are coping with their mortgage costs and what you can do if you're struggling to pay them.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Beatrice Pickup
(First broadcast Saturday 16th March 2024)
New arrangements for childcare payments come into force in April in England. How will the new arrangements affect parents? Are they going to be better or worse off?
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced extended support for parents of pre-school children in 2023. But many parents say the payments are still too low or that there aren’t enough places available.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Ellen Broome of the children's charity Coram, and Jonathan Broadbery, Director of Policy at the National Day Nurseries Association.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Will Harris and Neil MorrowEditor: Beatrice Pickup
The Chancellor has delivered his Spring Budget for 2024 announcing a 2p National Insurance cut for millions of working people under the age of 66. Jeremy Hunt says this will save the average worker £450 a year.
But, analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility says maintaining a freeze on the personal tax allowance - the amount earned before tax is paid - will mean 3.7 million extra people paying income tax by 2028, when the freeze comes to an end. So will you be better or worse off? We'll be looking at the numbers.
What would you do if you got a letter through your door asking for almost £2000 owed by a complete stranger? That's what happened to one of our listeners who spent weeks trying to sort it out with a debt recovery company. We hear from a senior MP calling for tougher regulation.
And an investigation into car finance agreements taken out before February 2021 could eventually lead to compensation for millions of motorists. Discretionary commission agreements meant some lenders allowed car dealers to adjust interest rates on finance deals. The Finance and Leasing Association told us: "In practice, having discretion to move the interest rate often meant that dealers lowered it to be more competitive."
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Sarah Rogers
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 9th March 2024)
As Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presents his Spring Budget, Money Box Live sifts through the details - and the impact on all our finances.
Expectations included a 2p cut in National Insurance contributions but will that look like on your payslip? Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth answers those key questions.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance at Hargreaves Lansdown; Simon Gammon, Managing Partner at the mortgage broker Knight Frank Finance, and Dawn Register, Tax Partner at the accountancy firm BDO.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Craig Henderson, and Kath PaddisonReporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Sarah Rogers
(This episode was first aired on Wednesday the 6th of March at 3pm on Radio 4)
Money Box gets a special look at a new exhibition at the Bank of England Museum about the future of money. Paul Lewis picks up a gold bar, sees the new King Charles money, and finds out more about the consultation for a new digital pound.
The pensioners getting in touch to ask why they’re soon to start paying tax on their pensions. We'll discuss that with the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group.
And, there are calls this week for the government to slow down the speed at which its moving existing benefits claimants onto Universal Credit. The Child Poverty Action Group says it is seeing cases of people struggling to claim, or missing the deadline as they are unsure what’s required of them. The Department for Work and Pensions told us the vast majority of Tax Credit claimants have successfully moved to Universal Credit, and that there is a range of support available to help people move. Presenter:: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 2nd March 2024)
How do schools teach children and teenagers about money?
Learning about money is part of the curriculum but more than three-quarters of teachers say young people are leaving school without the money skills they need for adulthood.
We’re going back to school to hear from pupils at Trinity Academy Cathedral School in Wakefield who are learning about money in special classes. We’ll listen in to find out how the experts teach children about credit cards, pensions, budgeting and more.
The government says its reformed the curriculum and invested substantially over £100 million in its Maths Hubs programme.
Felicity Hannah presents alongside the broadcaster, maths teacher and University Challenge alumni Bobby Seagull. They’ll be finding out how it all works from the school’s headteacher Anna Gillinder and Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People Programmes at The Money Charity.
Presenters: Felicity Hannah and Bobby Seagull Producers: Kath Paddison and Sarah Rogers Reporters: Tamzin Kraftman Researcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 28th February 2024)
As many as two million of the poorest households have seen the amount they owe their energy suppliers double over the past year. This new analysis of debt figures has been given to Money Box by the consultancy firm Baringa. It says people who've fallen behind on their payments are now £1,100 in the red, an amount that has doubled in a year. Energy UK, which represents suppliers, say they're doing all they can - and we'll hear more about Ofgem's plans to help tackle debt in the industry.
Twenty financial advice firms have been told that they must provide the regulator with details of the services they provide customers when they charge them for what is called “ongoing advice”. The Financial Conduct Authority has written to the companies as part of its enforcement of the new Consumer Duty. What will this mean for consumers?
And, an annuity is a contract with an insurance provider which converts your savings or pension pot into a guaranteed income for your retirement. As annuity sales rise, we'll discuss what they are and how they work.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Sarah RogersResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 24th Feb 2024)
There are approximately four million children in Great Britain whose parents are separated.
When couples break up they cut their finances apart, but for parents there's that ongoing relationship that comes with supporting those children - emotionally but also financially. So how do you manage that?
Sometimes, of course, it breaks down and a parent has to ask the state to step in and make their ex pay support. We'll discuss some changes coming to how that's enforced.
And we hear from parents who are sharing care and finding ways to make the finances and the new circumstances work.
Joining Felicity Hannah is Leah Caldwell who is the Director of Mediation First and treasurer on the board of the Family Mediators Association and also Gemma Hope who is a solicitor at Family Law Partners.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Kath Paddison and Izzy Greenfield Editor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 21st February 2024)
When someone dies and leaves a property in their own name, or has significant savings or investments, the executors must apply for probate - a legal document which gives them the right to deal with the dead person's estate and distribute their assets. The Ministry of Justice says probate should be granted within 16 weeks, but some bereaved families have been facing delays of nearly a year. Why is that?
A new report shared exclusively with Money Box suggests many of us know very little about the charges being taken out of our pensions. People's Partnership carried out a survey which found that out of a thousand people who'd transferred their pension in the past two years without getting advice beforehand - 72% didn’t know exactly what the fees for their old pensions were, or what they were being charged for their new one. What should you look out for?
And for the first time the percentage people in England who're married or in a civil partnership has fallen below 50 percent. If you live with someone and share your money - what do you need to know?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo KrasnerResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 17th February 2024)
When do you think you'll be able to retire?
Perhaps you can't wait to pick up your last pay check or maybe you love your job so much you want to work for the rest of your life.
For those who do hope to retire, the latest research suggests we'll all need an an extra £8,000 a year for a so-called moderate retirement according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.
Meanwhile, the International Longevity Centre reckons we'll need to raise the state pension age to 71 by 2050.
On this Money Box Live we're getting to the bottom of how realistic that is and what it all means.
We'll hear from someone working well into their 70s as well as a super saver hoping to retire in her 40s!
Felicity Hannah is joined by Helen Morrisey, Head of Retirement at financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown and Dr Emily Andrews, Deputy Director for Work at the Centre for Ageing Better charity to answer your questions and comments.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Eimear DevlinProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 14th of February 2023).
Dozens of Citizens Advice centres are at risk of closing because local councils which support them are running out of money. That warning came this week by the senior Labour MP Clive Betts in an exclusive interview with Money Box. He is also the Chair of Parliament's select committee on Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Dan Whitworth visits one of those citizens advice services at risk in Mansfield. The government says up to £64 billion has been made available to local authorities in England, an increase of 7.5% on the previous year which will allow local authorities to support communities and reform services to help them prepare for the future.
The cost of a comfortable retirement in Britain has jumped by nearly £6,000 to just over £43,000 a year for a single person and £59,000 for a couple. Every year the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association publishes figures worked out by Loughborough University for the amount of money you'd need to afford certain lifestyles in retirement. How is it calculated and how can you prepare for your retirement?
And, investment platforms and providers of personal pensions, have just a few weeks left to make sure the way they treat customers' cash balances fits in with new rules called their Consumer Duty. In December the Financial Conduct Authority wrote to 42 firms after concerns that some of them were keeping some or all of the interest they earn on customers’ cash balances. And with rates of 4% or more that's meant big returns. If you invest, what might that mean for you?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sandra HardialResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 10th February 2024)
Are savers getting a good return on their cash?
Although times are tight, we are actually saving slightly more according to the Bank of England. In December, we collectively saved £6bn.
But, more than a trillion pounds is sitting in accounts earning around 2% interest - even though the base rate is still at 5.25% - according to analysis by Lightyear of the Bank of England's data.
And £250bn is in accounts that are paying no interest at all.
So are banks doing enough? UK finance which speaks on their behalf, says many of its members have been contacting their customers to let them know about different savings accounts that are available.
As always we've got the experts to answer your savings questions - including where to start as well as some of the many emails you've sent us about when and how to pay tax on your money.
Joining Felicity Hannah is Anna Bowes founder of savingschampion.co.uk, banking analyst Frances Coppola and Chris Gray, independent financial advisor with Forester Boyd Wealth management.
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 7th of February 2024).
Around twelve thousand unmarried parents with dependent children whose partner has died have just a few days to claim their share of an estimated £175 million in bereavement benefits. The figures came from Freedom of Information Requests to the Department for Work and Pensions. People must claim that money before Thursday 8th February. If you think you, or someone you know, may be eligible check by searching for "bereavement support payment" on the gov.uk website.
New figures show £253 billion is sitting in bank accounts which pay no interest at all. Should banks be telling us to move it?
The government is sending out the final cost of living payment for low income households this month. It's £299 straight into bank accounts. We've got all the details. And some people who got £150 off their electricity bill last year are discovering they are not entitled this year, because their home isn't hard enough to heat. We'll discuss changes to the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Tamzin Kraftman, Eimear DevlinResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 3rd February 2024)
Are you thinking of turning your 'side hustle' into a full time job?
Perhaps you want to take the plunge but don't know your sole trader from your limited company.
This Money Box Live is a toolkit for anyone planning to start a new business - or those who've started one but might need a helping hand.
And we have Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden on the show to talk about what makes a good idea, the positives of running your own business as well as the pitfalls to look out for.
Following the pandemic there was a huge drop in the number of self-employed people but last year more than 100,000 people decided to go it alone and work for themselves compare to the year before - and it's the over 50's taking the lead according to the freelancer organisation IPSE.
It's also deadline day to fill out your self assessment tax return - so we'll be answering all your tax questions too.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Vicks Rodwell from the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed and Richard Jones from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday January 31st 2024)
Campaigners for victims of pension and investment fraud met with the Treasury this week. We'll hear from the Conservative MP who is the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Investment Fraud, Caroline Nokes, who was at that meeting.
What's the latest for working parents of two year olds planning to take advantage of the free 15 hours of childcare in term time which begins in April?
Thieves are stealing the identities of bereaved families to try and steal money from friends and relatives of the person who has died. The National Association of Funeral Directors says it has seen a spike of such frauds in the past few weeks in Northern Ireland. What do you need to look out for?
And, some new rules started this month for platforms which allow people to sell goods online. We'll clear up some confusion after listeners contacted the programme.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah RogersResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 27th Jan, 2024)
How are you dealing with energy costs this winter?
Money Box Live has heard some people are skipping meals whilst others in full time employment are turning to warm banks and food hubs to cut costs.
The energy price cap, which is now what most of us pay, jumped 5% at the start of the year to £1928 for typical use - but what exactly does that mean and are you a typical user?
Meanwhile, the charity Citizens Advice has estimated two million people on prepayment meters could have their gas and electricity cut off because they cannot afford to top up.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says its spending an average of £3,700 per household to support families with the cost-of-living. And there is some relief on the way as prices are predicted to fall in the spring.
Answering all your questions and comments with Felicity Hannah is Peter Smith, Director of Policy at the charity National Energy Action and Deputy Policy Director Daniel Portis from Energy UK which speaks for the industry.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast oat 3pm Wednesday the 24th of January 2024)
Some people who have been defrauded out of some or all of their pension fund are now being chased by HM Revenue & Customs for tax on money they no longer have. They were persuaded by advisers to cash in their pension and invest it in schemes that promised big returns. In fact they were often fake and some or all of their money disappeared. But HMRC is demanding tax on this missing money because they cashed in their pension too early. A campaign group based in Parliament is calling for a change in the law to protect them from what it calls the largest tax scandal in British history. In response, HMRC told Money Box “We do not tax pension savings lost to fraud. What we do tax are amounts that people release, or attempt to release, from their pensions where not authorised in law. It is our responsibility to collect the tax people legally owe and maintain a fair tax system for all. We sympathise with people who may have lost money by entering such arrangements and handle these situations on a case by case basis. We take the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously and do everything we can for those who engage with us to get their tax affairs in order, including by offering affordable payment plans.”
As temperatures hit a new low this week one charity is nearly doubling the size of the vouchers it gives to those who can't keep warm. We'll speak to the Fuel Bank Foundation which helps people on prepayment meters manage their bills.
A record number of people will need to re-mortgage this year - are the choices getting any better?
And all you need to know about filing your self assessment form.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Tamzin KraftmanResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 20th January 2024)
Flooding damages property, lives and can be incredibly financially damaging as well.
There was £352 million pounds in insurance claims for damaged homes following storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi at the end of last year according to the Association of British Insurers. We don't yet know the financial fall out of January's storm Henk - the eighth named storm of the season - but as the climate changes, insurers expect even more of this kind of weather.
So what is flooding costing homeowners and businesses and what is the best advice if you've been affected?
Felicity Hannah visits a flat owner in Worcestershire and we hear from the man who spent £80,000 taking matters into his own hands.
This week we're joined by Heather Shepherd from the charity the National Flood Forum as well as Laura Hughes, Manager of General Insurance at the Association of British Insurers, which represents the industry.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Sara Wadeson
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 17th of January on Radio 4 at 3pm)
New figures given to Money Box show there has been a big increase in the amount of money being stolen through fake text messages offering people jobs. These recruitment scams are usually sent via text or WhatsApp and offer high pay, easy hours and the chance to work from home. Last year 126 people contacted Action Fraud saying they'd been victims of this type of scam with £977,000 stolen from them. That is 50 times as much as was reported the year before. What do you need to look out for?
Storm Henk was the 8th storm of this season and more could well be on the way. As the flooding costs for insurers rise, home insurance premiums move up with them. According to the Consumer Intelligence Home Insurance Price Index they had already risen 36% by last October. We'll explain all you need to know about flood insurance.
When you pay into a pension you expect it to be there for you when you retire. We investigate one listener's case who discovered her pension company had taken all her money in charges.
And Paul Lewis asks listeners how they buy their music? Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sandra HardialResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 13th January, 2024)
The price of nursery can be more than a mortgage. In fact, to send a two-year-old to nursery for 50 hours a week, allowing you to work full time, can set you back more than £14,000 a year according to Coram the children's charity.
But, from April this year, working parents in England can claim 15 government funded hours for two year olds, instead of waiting for them to turn three to get help.
Applications for that support are now open - but there are concerns that not all parents will be be able to get their applications processed in time to use them. We've been investigating that, and what else is available to cut childcare costs for mums and dads.
We'll also hear from a nursery owner on the financial pressures of caring for children and talk about the costs of having school age kids.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Paul Rhodes from the Money and Pensions Service and Meghan Meek-O'Connor, senior policy adviser on child poverty at Save the Children UK.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on the 10th of January at 3pm on Radio 4).
National Insurance will be cut for millions workers from today. It'll be cut from 12% to 10% - the lowest main rate for more than twenty years. The government says this cut will save an employee on average earnings around £450 a year. However, some experts including the Office for Budget Responsibility say that gain is far less than the cost of freezing personal tax allowances from 2021 while wages rose. What will it mean for you?
A new set of regulations designed to help victims of fraud should see up to 90% of them get the money stolen from them refunded by their banks. That's according to Chris Hemsley, who runs the Payment Systems Regulator. He says he hopes the change will encourage the industry to do even more to stop fraud from happening in the first place.
HM Revenue and Customs says it will only take what it calls 'priority calls' on its Self Assessment helpline ahead of the 31st January tax deadline - sending everyone else to its online services. How will that work in practice?
And what parents of small children need to do to apply for the new 15 hours of free childcare.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Sandra Hardial and Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 6th January 2024)
It can feel like new year, new you, with so much potential for change and improvement, but then reality can kick in.
Around 1 in 3 of us will have made a financial resolution this year, but according to Hargreaves Lansdown, almost 20% of us won't even make it to the end of this week.
So how do you make them stick? Felicity Hannah is joined by behavioural & data scientist Professor Pragya Agarwal, Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance at AJ Bell and consumer rights expert Martyn James.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Andrew StrachanProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast on Radio 4, Wednesday the 3rd of January 2024 at 3pm)
Are you putting down the mince pies and opening your bank statements? Well, you're in the right place as we're dedicating some time to the kinds of money topics that come up between Christmas and New Year.
Perhaps you want to know your consumer rights before hitting the sales, what to do with unwanted gifts or maybe you've spent more than you can afford this festive season? If so, then you've come to the right place.
We'll hear why for hundreds of thousands of people, their tax return has become a festive tradition.
And we'll also look ahead to Summer 2024 and how to get some holiday bargains.
Felicity Hannah is joined by, etiquette coach William Hanson, Emma Munbodh, the money news editor at The Telegraph, Anna Hall the head of money and debt operations at the Money and Pensions Service and Rob Staines an independent travel expert.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Luke SmithurstProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This is a slightly shorter version of an episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 27th of December 2023 at 3pm on Radio 4)
Higher earners in Scotland are to pay more income tax from April. That was one of the headlines from the Scottish government in its budget on Tuesday. We'll discuss that change and more with Professor Mairi Spowage, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde.
Tens of thousands of teenagers could benefit from studying the subject of core maths once they turn 16. That's according to the charity Maths in Education and Industry. The course was launched in 2014 and currently has around 12,000 teenagers studying it in around 30 per cent of schools across England. However, the MEI says it's vital to get as many students as possible signed up.
We have our top three Christmas crackers – tips to save you money in 2024. We also revisit some of the people we've helped this year.
Plus, festive music from the City of Lincoln Band.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 23rd December 2023)
A typical rental property gets 25 enquires from people who want to view it, according to the property listings site Rightmove. That high demand also comes alongside high prices. The estate agents Hamptons says tenants have been hit with the biggest rise in rental costs in at least a decade.And it's not just tenants feeling the pinch. We look at the impact rising interest rates have had on those owning the homes people are renting.
With Felicity Hannah today to go through your questions and comments we have Richard Blanco from the National Residential Landlords Association, Jasmine Basran - Head of Policy and Campaigns and CRISIS, and Richard Donnell - Head of Research and Insight at Zoopla.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 20th December, 2023)
The Office for National Statistics has published the first of a new quarterly set of figures designed to reflect how inflation is experienced by households. They are called the Household Costs Indices and include things like mortgage costs, interest and insurance. It showed that overall UK household costs rose by 8.2% in the 12 months to September. How does it compare to other measures and what impact could it have? Are you thinking of buying a gift card as a present for Christmas? There's a warning that people looking to use gift cards this Christmas need to be on the look out for scams and fraud.
And from 1st January the cost of heating and lighting your home and cooking your food will rise in England, Scotland, and Wales. The average increase in energy bills will be just over 5% adding £94 a year to the typical bill. As some suppliers begin offering deals to fix your costs we'll ask what should you do?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 16th December 2023)
This week we're tackling the cost of the festive season and looking at how to avoid scams.
The cost of Christmas is up almost a quarter over the last three years according to the The Centre for Economics and Business Research. What can you do to keep costs down?
And as figures from UK Finance, the trade body for banks, suggest nearly £100m will be stolen from around 200,000 people through fraud and scams over the Christmas period we'll discuss what you can do to avoid them.
With Felicity Hannah today to go through your questions and comments we have Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London and Professor Sharon Collard, Research Director at the University of Bristol's Personal Finance Research Centre.
We'll also be hearing from Paul Askew a chef and the owner of the Art School restaurant in Liverpool and he'll be giving us some tips on how to cut the cost of Christmas Dinner.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersReporters: Dan Whitworth and Kath PaddisonEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 13th December, 2023)
Teenagers are being bombarded on social media with promotions for financial products they might not understand and that are usually too risky or dangerous for them to invest in. The MP Robin Walker, who chairs the Commons Education Select Committee, wants to see financial education for 16-18 year olds strengthened. The Department for Education told us "Financial literacy within citizenship is compulsory for 11-16-year-olds in the national curriculum, so young people are taught about the importance of personal budgeting, savings, money management and calculating interest.”
Figures indicate an increasing number of homeowners are making overpayments on their mortgages, to take the sting out of new interest rates. More than £21.3 billion was overpaid in the first ten months of this year - up more than 14% from the same period last year. But how much do you need to overpay, to make a difference?
The new project where people can get loans at zero interest to help with the cost of electricity, gas, and heating oil. We visit Ballyhackamore Credit Union in East Belfast to see how it works.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Sandra Hardial and Eimear DevlinResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 9th Dec 2023)
This is a transformative time for banking. The last decade has seen an incredibly fast-paced increase in the use of technology and also a rapid decrease in the use of cash. High Street banks, where most of us have our money, have adapted. From branch closures to online accounts, we'll discuss how banking is changing.
We look back at the history of banking with Cambridge University Economic Historian Dr Victoria Batemen.
We’ll also speak to Dave Fishwick whose life story became a movie after he set up his own bank in his community.
And Felicity Hannah is joined by independent banking analyst Frances Coppola and Cat Farrow, Chief Operating Officer at Cash Access UK
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Sarah Rogers and Kath Paddison Reporter: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday the 6th of December at 3pm)
Property buyers have said their home completions are being left in limbo after a company providing IT services to law firms was hit by a cyber incident. Money Box has found some of the UK's largest lenders have begun extending mortgage offers for those affected.
A national debt charity is calling on lenders to improve the way they identify customers who're getting into problem debt. StepChange says its recent research shows almost half of people with credit debt are experiencing difficulty with household bills and 1 in 6 adults are using credit to make ends meet. UK Finance which represents banks and credit card companies says lenders are committed to lending responsibly.
Charities are facing weeks or even months unable to access their own money thanks to the unexpected closures of their bank accounts. We've been getting emails about accounts being closed without people being given any reason or warning. UK Finance says banks will only take a decision to close an account after an extensive review and analysis.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 2nd December 2023)
This week on Money Box Live we're talking about Power of Attorney. What it means, who needs one and some of the pros and pitfalls.
Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star, Angela Rippon shares her experiences with the programme and Felicity Hannah is joined by a panel of experts to answer your comments and questions.
Solicitor Gary Rycroft helps clients set up and manage the legal side of Power of Attorneys and Sandra McDonald is former Public Guardian for Scotland and author of 'Power of Attorney: All you need to know: granting, it, using it or relying on it.'
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Luke SmithurstProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday the 29th of November at 3pm).
We'll take a closer look at what the Autumn Statement means for your personal finances. On Wednesday the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, made announcements about tax, pensions and benefits. With his top takeaways, Paul Lewis talks tax cuts and the unfreezing of the local housing allowance.
A listener went into a filling station to put just enough petrol in her car to leave her enough money to buy food for the family dinner. Then, the petrol station ringfenced the cost of a full tank and although she spent a fraction of that, the rest was not released for two days. Why did that happen and what can she do?
And the new global report from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which says reports of financial abuse of vulnerable clients is increasing.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sandra HardialResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 12noon Saturday 25th November 2023)
The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt has opened the red briefcase once again to deliver the Autumn Statement in the Commons.
But what does it mean for you and your money?
Felicity Hannah will be looking at how today's announcements impact your personal finances - from pensions, to taxes and benefits.
Joining her to answer your questions and comments are, Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at BestInvest, Dawn Register, Partner at the accountancy firm BDO and Sangita Chawla, Managing Director for Standard Life.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Paul RuddickProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm, Wednesday the 22nd November, 2023).
The number of reported scams involving QR codes has nearly quadrupled in less than three years according to figures seen by Money Box. The data was revealed by City of London Police and gathered from reports made to Action Fraud. The Charted Institute of Trading Standards is warning those reports are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. We'll hear the story of one woman who was scammed after using a QR code in a car park.
The government's cost of living support payments to help people on low incomes cope with rising bills have not been enough to meet the scale of the problem. That's the warning from Parliament's Work and Pensions Committee which this week called on the government to consider widening the eligibility for future payments. The Department for Work and Pensions says the payments have provided a significant financial boost to millions of households and are just one part of the record £94 billion support package - which includes a 10.1% rise to benefits earlier this year and a more than £2 billion Household Support Fund to help with the cost of household essentials.
A young disabled man was denied access to a high interest savings account - after his parents, who have a court order to deal with his finances, tried to open the account. How common is this and what can you do? And what can you expect from the Autumn Statement?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Joanna Morris and Jo KrasnerProducer: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 18th November 2023)
Most people would like to save for their children but it's not always straightforward. There are questions about the best accounts, about how much you can afford - and about what those children might decide to spend the money on once they hit 18!
According to Standard Life 7 out of 10 parents are worried they're not saving enough for their youngsters' futures.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Kirsty Stone, a Chartered Financial Planner at the financial adviser The Private Office and Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People Programmes at The Money Charity to answer your comments and questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersReporter: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast on Wednesday the 15th of November at 3pm).
As the number of homeowners behind on their mortgage jumps we look at a scheme in Wales trying to help people stay in their homes.
Also on the programme we speak to experts who weigh up the pros and cons of deferring your state pension and hear about the complications one woman had in getting the money she was owed.
We'll tell you if you're eligible for the winter fuel payment and, as the cost of living continues to bite, we visit a baby bank in Perth and Kinross to meet the volunteers who run it to speak to them about the increasing demand for help in providing everything from nappies to milk powder to wipes and toys.
This week we are talking all things love and money and what co-habiting, marriage and divorce mean for your finances.
Do you split the bills evenly or have a complicated spreadsheet to work out who pays what?
It comes as recent research published by the University of Bristol revealed 100,000 couples divorce in England and Wales every year - but only a third of them use the legal system to sort out their finances - the majority negotiate their own arrangements or in the worst cases, reach no settlement at all.
So, Felicity Hannah will cover everything from how to have those tricky money conversations with each other to how couples split their finances.
This week to answer your questions and comments, we're joined by Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance at AJ Bell and Nigel Shepherd, specialist family lawyer and consultant with Mills & Reeve.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducers: Sarah RogersEditor: Dan Whitworth
(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 8th of November).
For the first time we know the record of individual banks on reimbursing victims of fraud. The Payment Systems Regulator published figures this week which show, bank by bank, what proportion of the victims were reimbursed and what proportion of their money they got back.
Millions of people, some with quite modest savings, now face the prospect of paying tax on the interest those savings earn. Who does it affect and what do you need to do about it?
We'll discuss a new report from the University of Bristol about finances and divorce.
And as recent research suggests two out of three British adults have told a 'financial fib' by lying about their earnings or what something cost, we want to know your financial fibs - email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 4th November, 2023)
This week the team is live at a community centre in Lancaster to look at all things housing.
It's one of the biggest financial stories of the year. Rising interest rates led to hundreds of mortgage deals being pulled earlier this year before being replaced by costlier versions. This week the Bank of England will decide where they'll go next.
Exclusive figures for Money Box have revealed a third of people with a mortgages are overdrawn or have to borrow at the end of the month, meanwhile monthly rents average £1,304 a month.
To answer your comments and questions, Felicity Hannah will be joined by Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, Dr Hilary Ingham, Professor of Economics at Lancaster University and Kim Howarth, Branch Manager of Entwistle Green estate agents in Lancaster.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProduced by: Sarah Rogers & Kath Paddison Editor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast 3pm Wednesday the 1st of November, 2023)
The official body which tackles loan sharks tells Money Box that for the first time in its almost 20 year history it is seeing people turn to loan sharks to pay for essentials like food and fuel. The England Illegal Money Lending Team investigates and prosecutes loan sharks and supports those threatened by them.We report from Blackpool and visit a credit union - CLEVR Money - where people can borrow money legally and at reasonable cost.
Why some pensioners may have to pay tax next year on their state pension even if they have no other income.
A cost of living payment of £300 will drop into the bank accounts of people on means-tested benefits from Tuesday - find out who's eligible.
And what's driving a rise in the cost of car insurance?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Sarah RogersResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 28th October, 2023)
More than £500m was stolen by fraudsters in the first half of 2023, according to figures from UK Finance. This is less than the same period in 2022, but Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams, where people are tricked into transferring money to thieves, are on the rise.
We ask what can be done to fight back against the fraudsters, both on a personal and industry-wide level?
Joining Felicity Hannah are Ben Donaldson, Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, TSB’s Manager of Fraud Operations, Paul Davis and Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Financial Crime and Security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank.
Plus Dan Whitworth goes behind the scenes at TSB’s Fraud Prevention Centre in Sunderland. And we hear from case studies who’ve lost money, managed to get it back – but been left devastated by being scammed.
Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthProducers: Sam Clack and Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 25th October, 2023)
We investigate the case of Kent Brushes, a hairbrush company founded in 1777, which has had £1.6m stolen by thieves. The money was transferred in 40 separate transactions, all to new payees, in less than 20 minutes. Dan Whitworth reports.
And - the difficulties facing people in England who used the government’s Help To Buy loan scheme to get on the property ladder. What advice is there for those affected?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Jo Krasner and Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 21st October, 2023)
Just how much does technology impact your finances?
Do you search for the best deals on your laptop or phone? Perhaps you keep track of your money through online banking.
As many as 40% of people in the UK feel they cannot keep up with newer technology according to the charity the Good Things Foundation.
And not being online can cost you money, over £1,000 a year, according to Hargreaves Lansdown.
This week we've been out to meet people learning how to take on tech for the first time and Felicity Hannah is joined by Helen Milner, CEO of Good Things Foundation and Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown to answer your calls and questions.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(This episode was first broadcast 3pm on Wednesday the 18th of October, 2023)
This week, the energy watchdog Ofgem released data showing energy debts reached £2.6 billion between April and June. It says the rise in debt was due to both the increase in wholesale energy prices and wider cost of living pressures. We'll get reaction to that figure from Octopus Energy, one of the UK's biggest suppliers.
More and more people are taking money out of their private pensions. Between April and June, 4 billion pounds was withdrawn from pensions by more than 500,000 people - 15% more than a year ago. What should you consider before you take money out of your pension?
And, two weeks before the deadline to get your paper tax return in, HMRC says it will take three weeks to post the form to you. What are your options if you still need to send one?
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 14th October, 2023)
A lot of us like to save up for special occasions - a holiday, some home improvements - but, as we grow older, more of us think about saving for the costs that come after we die.
In fact, 69% of people make some sort of provision to help with the cost of their funeral, according to the financial services firm Sunlife.
And it's a big bill - more than £9,000 if you want a funeral and a wake or even a party afterwards.
Today on Money Box Live, we'll be talking about what kind of send off you might want from, woodland burials to tradition services as well as how to pay for it.
This week Felicity Hannah is joined by solicitor Gary Rycroft and Julian Ferguson from the Association of Green Funeral Directors.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 11th October, 2023)
A funeral plan company with more than 13,000 customers has gone bust leaving thousands of people without the plan they paid for. One Life Funeral Planning Limited was just 1 of around 40 firms which were not approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in July 2022 when it took over regulation of funeral planners. Attempts to find a regulated firm to take over its customers failed and last November its directors put it into administration. What can its customers do?
Christine Farnish, a former non-executive director at the energy regulator Ofgem, has told Money Box the amount of credit held by energy companies is a "real problem" that needs looking at. It comes after we revealed last week that suppliers held more than £8bn of customers' money in the form of credit on their accounts in the first three months of this year. Ofgem said protecting customers is its top priority and that it encourages suppliers to help customers spread the cost of winter over a full year to help them manage their bills. Previously Energy UK have told us told us at the time this £8.1bn was being held as credit prices were extremely volatile and the level of government help was unknown.
Nearly half a million new 18 year olds have not claimed hundreds even thousands of pounds waiting for them in child trust funds the govt and parents set aside for them. Check here: findctf.sharefound.org And is there a way to tell if you really are investing ethically? A new database may be a step towards that.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 7th October, 2023)
Money Box Live is looking at how to prepare for the cold nights ahead this winter following a year of high energy costs.
The Ofgem energy price cap has fallen by 7% to just over £1900. The price cap is the maximum amount your provider can charge per unit of gas and electricity. It is the amount a typical home in England, Scotland and Wales will pay a year, but if you use more, you will pay more.
Last year, there was government support to the tune of £400 to help households with rising costs. That isn't coming this year, and standing charges have gone up. It means people may end up paying more this Winter.
So, this week on Money Box Live, we're looking at how what you're doing to keep costs down as well as tips from our experts ranging from how thick your insulation should be to exactly how much it costs to put the oven on.
Matthew Cole, head of the Fuel Bank Foundation, and Madeleine Gabriel, Director of Sustainability at charity Nesta, join Felicity Hannah for this week's programme.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersResearcher: Eimear DevlinEditor: Jess Quayle
Energy companies are holding on to too much of their customers' money in the form of credit on their accounts. That's according to Angus MacNeil, Chair of the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero committee. Money Box has uncovered the total amount of credit being held in the first three months of this year was £8.1 billion. Those figures are from the regulator, Ofgem. Energy UK, which represents energy companies says suppliers are obligated to set direct debits that are, over a 12 month period, estimated to result in a balanced account. It also told us at the time this £8.1bn was being held as credit prices were extremely volatile and the level of government help was unknown. It also said it's not meaningful to compare credit and debt.
Charities say new figures obtained by Money Box show that less than 1 in 4 bereaved parents who were not married have claimed a support payment they became entitled to in February. That was when the government changed the law to give cohabiting parents equal rights with parents who were married or in a civil partnership. The Department for Work and Pensions say it's telling bereaved parents about the backdated benefit via stakeholders, charities and a targeted media and social media campaign. More information on who can claim is available at: www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/cohabiting
What you need to know about the self-assessment tax deadline on 5th October.
And, we'll also run through the changes to energy bills coming in on 1st October.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Luke SmithurstEditor: Jess Quayle
Energy Credit 00:00Bereavement Support 08:43Tax Deadline 14:49Energy Bills 16:32
(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 30th September, 2023)
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25%, ending a run of 14 consecutive increases. What does that mean for mortgages? We'll also look back one year on from the mini-budget. Hear from Clare Beardmore the Director of the Mortgage Club at Legal and General and Nimesh Shah the CEO of Blick Rothenberg.
Nearly half of our universities are now encouraging students to work part time by promoting it on their websites. The Higher Education Policy Institute, which carried out the research, has described it as a major change in the attitude of universities. Dan Whitworth reports from St. Andrews.
And what does the rates freeze mean for savers - we'll speak to Anna Bowes the founder of SavingsChampion.co.uk.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sam ClackResearchers: Luke Smithurst and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle
Mortgages 00:00Students and Part-time Work 10:26Energy Report 18:35Savings and Best Rates 19:29
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 23rd September, 2023)
Inflation has dropped to 6.7% but that doesn't mean our bills will be coming down anytime soon.
The news offers a small amount of welcome relief as the dip means prices are rising slower than they have been.
But inflation is still way off the Bank of England's target of 2%.
This week on Money Box Live we're looking at how to try and lower your personal rate of inflation and cut costs.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Christopher Jenkins a Senior Inflation Statistician from the Office For National Statistics as well as personal finance journalist Martyn James and Lisa Webb from consumer group Which?
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersResearcher: Luke SmithurstEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 3pm Wednesday September 20th, 2023)
Exclusive data for Money Box suggest that 1 in 5 UK adults have had to ration things like heating or electricity to keep up with their debt repayments. 1 in 8 have changed the food they eat for less healthy options. The survey, carried out by debt charity StepChange, found a third of adults say they are in financial difficulties, but half would be reluctant to contact their lenders to try to sort things out. We'll speak to the CEO of StepChange Vikki Brownridge.
Listeners who run community groups battle their banks over unexplained account closures. What are your rights?
Millions of pounds of Pension Credit has been claimed by thousands of people in London who didn't know they were eligible. A recent campaign saw 8,200 older households in 17 London boroughs receive targeted letters to make them aware that they might be able to get the benefit. As a result there were more than 2,000 successful claims, worth just under £8.4 million.
Plus, Money Box journalism leads to questions being asked in parliament over an energy scheme that thousands of people missed out on.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 16th Sept, 2023)
00:00 Rationing to pay debts08:40 Bank Account Closures14:44 Energy Bills16:59 Pension Credit
This week we're talking about pensions for the next generation and taking your questions and comments.
Writer and director Richard Curtis is with us to consider why green investments could be the key better engagement when it comes to young people.
Also joining us, Sophie Smith, News Editor of Pensions Age and Helen Morrisey, Head of Retirement Analysis from Hargreaves Lansdown.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersResearcher: Luke SmithurstEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 3pm on the 13th September, 2023)
This week there have been warnings that millions of people aren't saving enough for retirement and calls for pension contributions to be increased. One thinktank - New Financial - released a report saying that despite the success of auto-enrolment nearly a third of the UK workforce are not saving for a pension at all. Most aren't saving enough and will have smaller pensions in future. The government says auto-enrolment means billions more is being saved into pensions.
If you are one of the millions of people who own shares directly in a UK company then you may have to give them up. There are just two weeks left to have your say about the future of how those shares are held. It's because paper share certificates are on the way out to be replaced by digital versions. We'll discuss what this means. If want to have your say email "digitisationtaskforce@hmtreasury.gov.uk".
If you're wondering where your favourite show on Netflix or Paramount has gone it might be a victim of the strikes in Hollywood where 11,000 writers and more than 150,000 actors have been on strike for the last few months. It means a large number of productions being filmed or produced in the UK have been put on hold, leaving the mainly self-employed crew members with no work and no financial support. We'll hear from those affected.
Plus Royal Mail has announced that the price of posting a letter will rise in October for the second time this year. We'll have the details on that.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah Rogers Researcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 9th September 2023)
15 million adults in the UK feel financially insecure as a result of the rising cost of living. And almost 1 in 10 say they have debt they don’t know how they will repay – that’s according to the charity Christians Against Poverty.
Felicity Hannah and a panel of experts answer your questions on everything debt related - from the cost of childcare, bankruptcy and support if you have been the victim of financial abuse.
Featuring, Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest and Richard Lane from the debt charity StepChange.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersResearcher: Luke SmithurstEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 6th September, 2023)
New research has found that one in five people are paying for essentials - like food and household bills - by borrowing on Buy Now, Pay Later. A report from The Money and Pensions Service says more than ten million people now use it and claims around 40% of people they surveyed were managing their repayments badly including turning to credit cards, savings or overdrafts to pay it back.
Millions of pounds could be saved every year by building more homes that are accessible to people in wheelchairs - that's the conclusion of a report by the London School of Economics and the Housing Association, Habinteg. It looked into the financial costs and benefits of building more accessible homes for people who need them. The number of wheelchair users living in unsuitable homes across the UK is estimated to be more than 400,000. Dan Whitworth visits Kenilworth to meet Georgia and her family for a tour of their partly accessible home.
The government is currently considering ways it could change pensions in the UK to drive better outcomes for savers. Part of this includes a call for evidence looking at how defined benefit schemes might be invested differently. One idea is to make it easier for private sector employers to access tens of billions of pounds of surplus funds that have built up in their pension schemes. The Department for Work and Pensions says "the direction of future policy is not yet decided.” Tom Selby from AJ Bell explores this idea.
Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah RogersResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 2nd September)
00:00 Introduction 00:41 Buy Now Pay Later07:25 Accessible Homes15:41 Self-Assessment Tax Helpline17:02 Defined Benefit Pensions
Felicity Hannah and the team broadcast live from Leeds University as students from England face a massive overhaul to their finances. It's the biggest change in more than a decade.
Previously, student loans were written off after 30 years, but under a new scheme called 'Plan 5' it's 40 years. Graduates will also have to start paying money back when they earn £25,000, the threshold has been lowered this year from £27,295.
So, this week we're looking at how much a really degree costs as well as taking your questions and comments.
On the programme we have money guru Martin Lewis to explain exactly what the changes mean as well as Louise Banahene, Leeds University Engagement Officer, Bethan Corner, who is the Education Officer at the Student Union, and Tom Allingham from student finance website, Save the Student.
Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Sarah RogersEditor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 3pm, Wednesday 27th September 2023)
High streets have a double challenge; they need to cope with their own rising costs and keeping hard pressed customers spending. We hear how Barnsley’s sellers are adapting to tricky times. Is anyone able to see a path through to a thriving business?
Felicity Hannah meets traders in The Glassworks, home to the town’s new redeveloped undercover market. Here she’s made a special coffee by Dave in his new café which is thriving; Katy, who’s side hustle is making candle melts to sell at the young traders monthly market & David, a butcher who’s been selling meat here for over 30 years.
The programme also talks to Dr Jackie Mulligan founder & CEO, ShopAppy.com & a member of High Streets Task Force, who explains how high street businesses are fairing across the UK.
Series Producer Smita Patel Editor Clare Fordham Studio Engineer by Rod Farquhar
Schools are dealing with their own rising costs, but they are also coping with the impact of the cost-of-living on their pupils and their families. One primary school tells us how they’re facing up to the challenge. Can they thrive in tricky economic times? Felicity Hannah spends a day at school with Sally Herbert, Principal at Oasis Academy Harpur Mount, primary school in Manchester. She meets staff, parents and pupils to hear how the cost of living is impacting on their children’s education.
The Programme also talks to education expert Laura McInErney, co-founder of Teacher Tapp, to ask what does the future look like for schools.
Series Producer Smita Patel Editor Clare Fordham Studio mixed by Rod Farquhar
Rising costs are having an impact on almost everyone, but that impact is very different for different sections of the economy. Rising food production costs are pushing up everyone’s grocery bills, and squeezing farmers’ profit margins. How are farms adapting to survive difficult times? Are any of them finding new ways to thrive?Felicity Hannah travels to South Wales to meet two farmers, both running family businesses. Kevin and Sian, who, since covid, have diversified their 200 acre mixed farm into a profit making business. And Abi who works alongside her parents and uncle on a 700 acres mixed farm of dairy, sheep, arable, and beef has seen costs spiral but has long term financial solutions for her family business to thrive again. The programme also talks to Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union which represents 47,000 farming businesses across England and Wales, to ask what does the future look like for farmers. Series Producer Smita Patel Editor Clare Fordham Studio Engineer Rod Farquhar
Rising costs are having an impact on almost everyone, but that impact is very different for different social groups. Is anyone managing to make a difference to their own budget, however small? Whether they be high earners or low income households, how are people taking control of their finances? Felicity Hannah meets Peter who lives alone in a rented flat in Stoke and has a disability that prevents him from working; Hollie, a new mum, living with her fiancé in Wigan, who’s trying to juggle money while on maternity leave with the rising costs of having a small baby. And Kishan, one of many people being bitten by monthly mortgage rate hikes. He lives in London and has three mortgages; his own plus two buy to lets. The programme also talks to Dr Gemma Tetlow Chief Economist at the Institute for Government to ask what does Peter, Hollie and Kishan’s experience tell us about the cost of living crisis across the nation. Are households surviving or thriving? Series Producer Smita Patel Editor Clare Fordham Studio Engineer Rod Farquhar
The Bank of England is expected to raise interest rates again this week, for the fourteenth consecutive time. The increase will hike the monthly repayments for anyone on a variable rate mortgage, for those trying to re-mortgage after coming off a fixed-rate and for first time buyers with new home loans.
In this podcast we look at the dilemmas created by high borrowing rates. The experts in this podcast are Sonya Matharu, Senior Mortgage Broker at The Mortgage Mum and Tom Bill, Head of UK Residential Research at Knight Frank.
Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Amber Mehmood Researcher: Luke Smithurst Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 2nd August, 2023)
Care home leaders are the latest group criticising the Government for failing to get £400 of winter fuel help to the people entitled to it. The Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Fund was supposed to help nearly one million households who don't pay an energy supplier directly. 20,000 households in care homes got this money, but according to new BBC Verify analysis for this programme that suggests 1 in 7 who were eligible, didn't. The government says it spent billions of pounds helping millions of households last winter with their energy bills, covering nearly half the cost of a typical household's bill.
On Monday major changes begin in the way we are sold financial products and services by regulated firms like banks, insurers, advisers. Not only will they have to stick to the 20 year old rules about treating customers fairly. They will be subject to a new Consumer Duty. What is it and what does it mean?
A scheme which offers debt advice and help with money problems through doctors’ surgeries, is being extended thanks to some new funding. We first reported on the trial two years ago. Since then the Centre for Responsible Credit which runs the scheme says hundreds of people have been helped to access hundreds of thousands of pounds in support.
Plus, from 1st August most old first and second class stamps without barcodes are no longer valid. What should you do if you still have any old stamps?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 29th July, 2023)
An average of 20 potential tenants request to view each available rental home, more than triple the amount in 2019, according to data commissioned by the BBC. The queue to view is even longer in some regions, reaching 30 in the North West of England, according to the property portal Rightmove.
From facing tough competition for a home to receiving a section 21 notice of eviction, we hear what renters are experiencing in the current market and we offer advice on what their rights are.
The experts on the panel are Nyree Applegarth, Partner at Higgs LLP, Tim Bannister, Director at Rightmove and Ben Beadle, Chief Executive at National Residential Landlords Association.
For tips on how to get ahead in the race to secure a rental property and information on your rights as a tenant go to the Tackling it Together section on the front page of the BBC News website.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Amber Mehmood Reporter: Sam Gruet Researcher: Luke Smithurst Editor: Jess Quayle
(First Broadcast at 3pm, Wednesday 26th July, 2023)
Sick people in England are being caught out by the complex rules which exempt some from NHS prescription charges. The Patients Association says the rules surrounding the £9.65 per item levy should be simplified. The call comes after Money Box listeners told us how they struggled to navigate the rules. The NHS Business Services Authority which runs the system told us "Patients can check they are eligible for free NHS prescriptions before claiming by using the free eligibility checker at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check. It takes just three minutes".
Money Box can exclusively reveal that £55 million of fraud was prevented last year by bank and building society employees deliberately ignoring customers' instructions to transfer their money to thieves. They're allowed to do that in a branch because of what is called the banking protocol - a UK-wide law that allows staff in the branch to stop transfers and ask customers what they're doing with their money and why. We'll hear from Sophie who saved one of her customers £90,000.
And, what does this week's fall in inflation really mean for your personal finances?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 22nd July, 2023)
The UK government has announced a package of reforms designed to boost pensions and increase investment in British businesses. A panel of experts explore the impact of this on your pots and what it could mean for your retirement.
The experts in this podcast are Nigel Peaple, Director of Policy and Research at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) and Alice Guy, Head of Pensions and Savings at Interactive Investor.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Reporter: Luke Smithurst Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 19th July, 2023)
A “staggering failure” is how one senior MP has described a government scheme designed to help nearly a million households with their energy bills last winter. Former SNP and now independent MP Angus MacNeil, who's Chair of Parliament’s Energy Security and Net Zero committee, has called on the government to reopen the scheme after a Money Box investigation reported that 750,000 eligible households have not received the £400 to help with their fuel costs and can't now apply for it. The Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding was launched in February to give the £400 to people who live in park homes, on narrow boats, in care homes, and travellers who had not automatically had the £400 which was sent to households with an electricity meter. In response, a government spokesperson said: "We spent billions to protect families when prices rose over winter, covering nearly half a typical household's energy bill – this includes more than £50m supporting 130,000 households without a domestic energy supplier".
What do the government’s new proposals for pensions mean for the millions of people with money invested and how risky are the plans?
There's a warning about mortgage scams where people are being tricked into giving away personal details by phishing emails and texts.
And will government plans to reform consumer credit law strengthen or weaken our rights?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 15th July, 2023)
Millions of people are booking their holidays right now, but with hundreds of flights already cancelled and the threat of air traffic control strikes looming, how do you fight for your rights if your travel plans get disrupted? What's the best way to manage your money overseas? And how is the cost of living impacting people's plans if you are lucky enough to be getting away?
The experts in this podcast are: Cathy Adams, Senior Content Editor (Travel) at The Times and Sunday Times, Alan Dean, Managing Director at CoverForYou and Cedar Tree, and Sean Tipton, Media Relations Manager at the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
Presenter: Dan Whitworth Reporter: Sarah Rogers Researcher: Luke Smithurst Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Elisabeth Mahy
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 12th July, 2023)
New data shows more than 700,000 households across Great Britain have missed out on £300 million worth of support with their energy bills. The government said in February 900,000 households were eligible to apply for a one-off £400 payment because they did not have an energy supplier that would apply it automatically. The government said it had spent more than £50m 'supporting households without a domestic energy supplier', but this data suggests just over £300 million of the possible £360 million in Great Britain had not been claimed before the deadline.
The big high street banks have been told to be more open with their customers about savings rates - what will that mean in practice?
And could Artificial Intelligence transform how banks decide whether to lend us money?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah Rogers Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 8th July, 2023)
Bank bosses are being asked to explain why interest rates on savings aren't keeping up with the rising cost of borrowing.
The heads of Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest and Barclays banks will meet the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on Thursday.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has already stepped in to tell banks to put up rates for savers.
At the moment the Bank of England base rate is 5 per cent, following last months 13th consecutive rise.
UK Finance who speak for banks say "savings rates are driven by a number of factors," not just the base rate.
Laura Suter, head of Personal Finance at AJ Bell and Kirsty Stone, Chartered Financial Planner at The Private Office, are here to help make sense of your savings.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 5th July, 2023)
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has stepped in to tell banks to put up the rates paid to savers after the Bank of England raised the official Bank Rate to 5%. Many mortgage rates went up at once and more have been increased this week, but the rates paid on savings by the banks have not followed them. The gap between the two has almost doubled from December 2021. We hear from Gillian who runs a business in Bromsgrove and ask how banks make decisions on savings rates.
More than two million calls to a helpline for people wanting to boost their state pension have been blocked by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Minister in charge of what is called the Future Pension Centre, Laura Trott, has admitted that in the first five months of the year more than two million calls were cut off without even being allowed to join the call waiting queue.
A new energy price cap comes into effect today. This will see households pay an average of 2,074 pounds a year. This is lower than the level at which government subsidies kept bills but still 800 pounds more than two years ago. We'll also look at how smart meter data is being used to research fuel poverty.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Felicity Hannah Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 1st July, 2023)
Amidst a cost of living crisis, almost 9 in 10 young adults say that simply having enough money to cover their basic needs is classed as aspirational, according to a survey by the children's charity Barnardo's. We hear about some of the financial pressures burdening young people - from renting, to food costs and car expenses.
In this podcast, BBC Newsbeat's Cost of Living Reporter, Sam Gruet, joins Felicity Hannah and Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Amber Mehmood and Sarah Rogers Reporter: Sam Gruet (Newsbeat Cost of Living Reporter) Editor: Beatrice Pickup
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 28th June, 2023)
Rising interest rates are putting pressure on those homeowners with variable mortgages, or with fixed terms due to end this year. The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has met with the big banks to discuss the forbearance options lenders can offer to customers in difficulty. We discuss the long term financial implications of options such as payment deferrals, extending the length of the mortgage or switching to interest only with Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance at Hargreaves Lansdown.
The children's charity Barnardos is concerned about the impact of rising living costs on young people aged 18-25. The charity worked with the Co-op to survey 2,500 people in that age bracket. Almost 9 in 10 responded that having enough money to cover basic needs was considered 'aspirational', and more than half had worried about whether they could afford things in the last six months. We speak to a 20 year old care leaver about their relationship with money.
And what should you do to protect large sums of money from fraud? We've been contacted by listeners in the process of buying and selling a house, wondering where to keep large sums safe until they're ready to make their purchase. Reporter Dan Whitworth has the answers.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Beatrice Pickup
The average interest rate charged by mortgage lenders is now much higher than many homeowners have been used to.
So what can those struggling to make repayments do - and what if any help should lenders provide?
The experts in this podcast are Charles Roe, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance, Andrew Wishart, Senior Economist at Capital Economist and Rita Kohli, Managing Director at The Mortgage Stop.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Beatrice Pickup
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 21st June, 2023)
On June 12th, HMRC closed its self assessment tax helpline - a helpline that last summer people tried to call over a million times. Instead, it's directing people who want advice or who need help with their online self assessments to its digital services. HMRC says this is a pilot for a new seasonal model and that it will reopen in September. It says the plan will free up staff time to deal with urgent queries. The decision has prompted criticism from tax groups who say that the closure is extremely disappointing, that it's ill thought out and that its a clear indication that HMRC can't cope with demand. Angela McDonald the Deputy CEO and Second Permanent Secretary at HMRC speaks to Felicity Hannah live.
MPs have questioned insurances bosses over high premiums. The Treasury Committee called executives in to answer questions about potential profiteering during the cost of living crisis. Dan Whitworth reports on that hearing.
More on plans to make sure banks give innocent victims of push payment fraud the refunds that they are supposed to.
And what do you need to think about when it comes to money and travel abroad? From currency to travel and health insurance, not to mention mobile phone roaming charges, there are lots of ways to make sure you're not losing out or paying over the odds.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 17th June, 2023)
A prolific cyber crime gang has stolen personal data belonging to more than 100,000 employees. It's a mass hack which has impacted organisations globally.
In the hands of criminals, your personal data can be used to make cloned credit cards, buy phone plans, falsely claim government benefits and even take out a mortgage, for which you can become liable. In this podcast, we discuss how you can try and prevent this from happening and what you can do if you are a victim.
The experts on the panel are Sarah Lyons, from the National Cyber Security Centre and Matt Cooke, Cyber Security Strategist at Proofpoint - which helps protect businesses and employees online.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Amber Mehmood and Clare Worden Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 14th June, 2023)
Changes to how families of disabled children can access UK government-backed trust funds have been announced. Currently, parents and carers of 18-year-olds who lack mental capacity have to apply to the Court of Protection to access the money. The Ministry of Justice says claims will now be dealt with in eight weeks - rather than six months. We'll hear from Mike Freer the Minister for Courts and Legal Services and from a campaigner who says the changes don't go far enough.
Hundreds of thousands of people have had their personal information stolen by hackers. We'll ask what you can do now to stay safe.
We'll discuss a new report calling for banks and other financial institutions to do more to improve services for people with hearing difficulties. The report is from the Lending Standards Board which is calling for greater inclusion. UK Finance, which represents the banking and finance sectors, told us it's committed to supporting customers and do offer extra support including British Sign Language translations in branches, longer appointments and quiet rooms.
Help To Save, a savings scheme for people on low incomes, has been extended. We've got the details.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Team: Dan Whitworth, Sandra Hardial, Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 10th June, 2023)
House prices have fallen by 1% compared with a year ago – the first drop since 2012 (Halifax) and as inflation remains high, lenders are increasing the cost of mortgage borrowing.
But what do these changes in the housing market mean for anyone who dreams of owning their own home, for people trying to move up the ladder or those thinking about equity release?
The experts in this podcast are Tim Bannister, Director of Property Science at Rightmove and Clare Beardmore, Director of Mortgages at Legal & General.
Presenter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 7th June, 2023)
Mortgages are back in the headlines this week, with the news that hundreds of deals are being pulled from the market. Since the start of last week, the total number of mortgage products on the market has fallen by 11.3% according to new figures from Money Facts. We'll discuss this with Sonya Matharu, Senior Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Mum.
There are calls to simplify and reform the tax free childcare system. The charity Coram says many families don't even know they are eligible because the system is so difficult to manage. HMRC says Tax-Free Childcare is quick and easy to claim and that it can be a real boost to the household budget of working families. Adding that families can choose the financial support that best suits their needs. It recommends that parents use the Childcare Choices website (https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/) to find the right childcare offer for them.
We'll discuss what the latest updates are for funeral plan holders with companies which have gone out of business - following a major shake up of the industry. We'll speak to one of the providers which has taken on customers of failed firms and to James Daley from Fairer Finance.
And the listener who manages his mum's finances but was told he couldn't switch her to a more competitive savings account.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 3rd June, 2023)
The Financial Conduct Authority is concerned that young people in particular are turning to bloggers and influencers for investing advice - without fully understanding the risks. Scammers are also using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok to target people, as the cost of living pushes people to look for high return investments.
In this podcast, we discuss what red flags to watch out for and how easy it can be to end up parted from your money.
The experts on the panel are Giles Mason, Director of Campaigns at UK Finance, Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance at AJ Bell and Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Amber Mehmood Reporter: Sandra Hardial Editor: Elisabeth Mahy
If you have been affected by the issues covered in this podcast, visit BBC Action Line for advice or support: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/375cB1pZ3FwFRQMh9zLxZhb/information-and-support-fraud
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 21st May 2023)
The Chief Executive of the Association of British Credit Unions has told Money Box his members are seeing more people applying for borrowing who already have multiple buy now, pay later loans. We'll hear from a young woman who got into debt that way and get a response from the industry.
Mortgage costs will go up again this week. That's going to put the squeeze on many households but it's especially bad news for the tens of thousands of people who are trapped paying unaffordable mortgages. We'll speak to Martin Lewis, who's campaigning for change, and get a response from the Treasury.
The Financial Conduct Authority is concerned that younger investors are using social media platforms for investing advice - without fully understanding the risks and how much money they might lose. We'll speak to their Director of Consumer Investments, hear from some young people and from the platforms themselves.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 27th May 2023)
When your spouse dies your world changes, from admin to organising a funeral, new widows are hit with a slew of tasks amid dealing with grief.
As well as those challenges, losing a husband, wife or partner can mean significant changes to your finances.
In this podcast we discuss what the death of your partner can mean for your money. What challenges are there and where can you find help and support.
The experts on the panel are, Emma Gray, Ambassador at WAY Widowed & Young and Jane Hodges, Chartered Financial Planner at Money Honey Financial Planning.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 24th May, 2023)
Criminals are targeting victims more effectively and exploiting banking apps on phones to steal thousands of pounds. That's the warning from one of the UK's most senior fraud officers, Detective Superintendent John Roch, who runs the Economic Crime Unit for London's Metropolitan Police. He's been speaking exclusively to Money Box - and you can hear that interview in full.
The Financial Conduct Authority has told this programme it has been speaking to Scottish Widows about concerns over the company's poor customer service. For the past year Money Box has been investigating complaints about the insurance and pensions firm. Customers have been contacting us to say they have faced lengthy delays when they have tried to get hold of their money. We'll hear from some of those listeners and get a response from Scottish Widows which says its overall service levels are getting back to normal as it continues to work hard behind the scenes. It says it has significantly increased the number of colleagues answering calls and dealing with customer requests.
Long-awaited plans to shake up the private rented sector in England were finally released this week. The Renters’ Reform Bill includes some very significant changes, including abolishing section 21 or so-called "no-fault" evictions and preventing landlords from banning tenants who claim benefits or have children. We'll discuss what this means for renters' rights.
And war widows who were forced to forfeit their pensions will receive a lump sum payment after a long running campaign. How will it work and who's eligible?
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 20th May 2023)
The UK is the fraud capital of the world with hundreds of thousands of victims and billions of pounds stolen every year.
Every minute of 2022, thieves stole £2300 from bank and credit card accounts. They took a total of 1.2 billion from nearly 3 million people. In this podcast, we discuss these figures by the banking trade body, UK Finance, and we speak to victims of fraud about the impact it’s had on them and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
On the panel are experts Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre of Financial Crime and Security at RUSI, and Andy Donald, Director of Communications at UK Finance.
We'll also hear from an ex-fraudster about how criminals manipulate their victims intro transferring thousands of pounds.
Presenter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Amber Mehmood Reporter: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast, 3pm Wednesday 17th May, 2023)
The banking trade body UK Finance says that every minute of 2022 thieves stole £2,300 from bank and credit card accounts. In total they took £1.2 billion from nearly 3 million people. These figures were released this week in its Annual Fraud Report. We'll discuss the figures and get reaction from Arun Chauhan, a solicitor at Tenet Law, who specialises in fraud and financial crime.
There were new warnings about inflation this week. The Bank of England said that headline rate would soon fall, though not quite so much as it had predicted earlier this year. The Chief Economist at the Office for National Statistics answers your questions and talks about the new ONS comparison tool where you can check prices.
As HMRC stops sending paper tax returns out to under 70s – what does this mean for the 3 million over 55s who don’t have a digital presence?
And how to make sure you get a new Cost of Living payment if you're entitled to it.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 13th May 2023)
The Bank of England is expected to hike interest rates for the 12th month in a row this week and deposit-free mortgages are back after a 15-year-long absence from the market that stretches back to the financial crisis. We find out how they’ll really work, who can benefit from them and what interest rates mean for you whether you’re a renter, homeowner or prospective new buyer.
The experts in this podcast are, Nick Mendes, Mortgage Technical Manager at John Charcol, Charles Roe, Director of Mortgages at UK Finance and Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Money Facts.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 10th May, 2023)
To mark the Coronation of King Charles III our presenter Adam Shaw gets exclusive access to the Royal Mint to witness how new £2 commemorative coins are produced and to see its extensive archives. In this programme, we discuss how different monarchs have affected our money and what the future might hold for the physical cash that we carry in our pockets. To help explore the Crown and our currency, Adam is joined be a panel of experts, Dominic Chorney, an Ancient Coin Specialist at Baldwin's, Catherine Schenk, Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Oxford and Jennifer Adam, Curator at the Bank of England Museum. Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodResearcher: Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 3rd May, 2023)
The prospects for many current employees hoping for a comfortable retirement looks "risky at best". That's the warning from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which has started a major review of pensions together with Financial Fairness Trust, a charity funded by the investment firm Abrdn. We'll speak to the IFS and answer your questions on pensions.The listener who had to remortgage but was turned down because he had a Ukrainian family living in part of his home. Are you going to Europe this summer? If so, have you got your GHIC card which can give you cheap or free medical care in some countries? We'll explain how it works.And next Saturday is the Coronation of Charles III. He and his wife, Camilla will be crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth countries. It is nearly 70 years since the last coronation in June 1953 when Charles's mother was crowned Queen Elizabeth II but what has changed in our personal finance since then? Paul Lewis speaks to Dr. Duncan Needham, Director of the Centre of Financial History at Cambridge University.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Justin Bones(First broadcast, 12noon Saturday 29th April, 2023)
Small businesses represent as much as 99% of UK companies, according to government figures. They employ about half of the workforce and often contribute a vital service to local communities. The small business sector has been facing significant challenges - higher inflation, more expensive business loans and uncertain markets. In this podcast, we look at both the challenges and the opportunities for small businesses. The experts on the panel are:Charlotte Thomason, Head of Policy and Government Relations at Enterprise Nation, an organisation which helps advise small businesses on how to set-up and grow.Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE - The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.Adnan Sajjad, an accountant specialising in helping small businesses.Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Beatrice Pickup
This week, the Office for National Statistics employment data showed that one reason behind the increase in the number of people in work is the growth in self-employment. Though the total numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels, more people are now starting a new business. We'll hear from four entrepreneurs about their experiences and have some advice for anyone thinking about doing so. Money Box has learned more than 1,100 people have reported having had a total of £1.3m stolen from them in the last year by criminals using so called "hi mum" or "hi dad" scam messages. The figures from Action Fraud peaked in the run up to Christmas but the scam is still very active with hundreds of thousands of pounds being stolen in the first three months of this year alone. What should you look out for?We often talk about the cost of living and the effect of rising inflation on lower income households, but this week there is new evidence of how it is hitting people earning between £40,000 and £80,000. We'll hear from Royal London whose research found over a third of people had gone overdrawn or borrowed in other ways - some even taking out expensive payday loans.And a new report suggests tens of millions of pounds belonging to about 80,000 young people without mental capacity to make financial decisions could be locked in trust funds. What does that mean for families and what is the government's response?Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12noon Saturday 22nd April, 2023)
Raising children is expensive. It’s estimated that it costs over £200,000 to raise a child from birth to 18 in the UK. In this podcast we hear from parents about how they're managing these costs from new-born baby necessities to nursery fees.The experts on the panel are, Anna Stevenson, Senior Welfare Benefits Specialist at the Charity Turn2Us, and Tara Spence, the CEO of Homestart Suffolk, a community network of trained volunteers that helps families with young children. Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodResearcher: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast, 3pm Wednesday 19th April, 2023)
It's estimated that more than 200 thousand low income parents --in England, Wales and Northern Ireland -- are missing out on government assistance to help them buy food for their children. The Healthy Start Scheme offers money for milk, fruit and vegetables - but uptake is well below the government's target. In response Department of Health says uptake is increasing and it's committed to promoting a healthy diet for children.The high-cost lender Amigo has said it will halt all lending and wind down its business after failing to raise extra funds from investors. What does this mean for thousands of who’ve applied for compensation believing they were mis-sold loans?State benefits and pensions paid to tens of millions of people went up this week by 10.1% - almost the current rate of inflation. When can you expect your increased payment?And what you should do to protect your digital memories after you’ve died?Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Sarah RogersResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 15th April, 2023)
Trying to understand interest rates, credit card changes and mortgage deals is an effort for most of us, so how do you manage if you have a learning disability?Dan Pepper, a former Paralympian joins presenter, Ruth Alexander, to talk about how he manages his money, and what challenges he faces.We'll also be talking about how ADHD and other neuro differences can affect your personal finances.On hand to answer listener questions: Tony Lloyd, CEO of the ADHD Foundation, The Neurodiversity Charity, and Phillipa Gould, Financial Advocacy Manager at Dosh, a not-for-profit organisation. Presenter: Ruth AlexanderProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 12th April, 2023)
What are your children up to this weekend? Many will be busy eating chocolate eggs and enjoying their Easter break from school. Some youngsters are out there running businesses, balancing their books and even turning a profit. In this Money Box Easter special, we meet some of those remarkable kids and ask how we can help children learn entrepreneurial skills - and whether they should be?Featuring: Precisa, Max and LouisPlus, Julian Hall, CEO of Ultra Education, and Zoe Bennet, Managing Director at Training Personified.Presenter: Felicity HannahEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 8th April 2023)
From 6th April, there's set to be a host of financial changes. From household bills, changes to pensions, national insurance and help for energy bills. Almost every household will be affected in some way.We breakdown the main things that you need to know and put your questions to a panel of experts - Helen Thornley, from The Association of Tax Technicians and Sam Richardson, Deputy Editor at Which? Money Magazine.Presenter: Dan WhitworthProducer: Amber MehmoodReporter: Hannah MullaneEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 5th April, 2023)
In this special extended programme broadcast live from Lincoln, the Money Box team covers all you need to know as the financial year comes to an end and a new one begins. For many household bills are going up, from broadband costs and water bills to council tax - but what can you do if you're struggling? The team are joined by organisations who're supporting people every day, to find out what help is out there.We're in Skegness to find out how local people and businesses are coping with energy costs.We'll discuss what tax changes are coming in from April, and what allowances you're entitled to. Plus we'll mark 50 years since the introduction of VAT - Value Added Tax.Don't miss music from the City of Lincoln Band and a special introduction from the Official Town Crier of Lincoln City too.Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 1130am on Saturday 1st April, 2023)
Felicity Hannah and Winifred Robinson take questions on the legal rights of renters with experts Jasmine Basran from the housing and homelessness charity Crisis and Tessa Shepperson founder of the The Landlord Law Services she advises landlords of their legal rights and responsibilities.The number of people renting across England, Wales and Scotland has more than doubled in the last decade.The picture in Northern Ireland is similar with the numbers of people renting is up by nearly 2 thirds in the last 20 years. Producer: Catherine LundStudio Manager: Mitch GoodallEditor: Clare Worden
Felicity Hannah starts a week of BBC coverage on the theme of Rental Health. For Money Box she examines the 3 year freeze in Local Housing Allowance (the portion of Universal Credit designed to cover housing) is leaving some on low incomes struggling to afford rental properties.Also on this episode as NatWest become the latest bank to impose restrictions on how much their customers can spend on crypto platforms and exchanges we ask if it’s ever a good idea to invest in this area.And we'll have advice for you if you've lost money through a push payment scam. Presenter: Felicity HannahReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Clare Worden
In this podcast we hear from prospective and recent first-time buyers about the challenges, opportunities and top tips on taking the first steps into the housing market. The experts on the panel are, Ray Boulger, Senior Mortgage Technical Manager at John Charcol and Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at the estate and letting agents, Hamptons. Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Clare Worden
A Money Box investigation has resulted in a £150,000 refund for a vulnerable romance fraud victim, after their bank initially refused to reimburse. The victim's family were told that a voluntary code, known as the Contingent Reimbursement Model or CRM, designed to protect victims of fraud would not apply in their case, because the payments had been made to an international bank account. We look at what, if anything, banks can do to prevent payments to criminal accounts overseas.In the Spring Budget the Chancellor promised to end the so-called prepayment meter penalty, where customers currently pay an extra £45 compared to direct debit customers. We look at how the new policy will work, and if it's feasible to level the playing field between pre-payment meter customers and direct debit customers long term. And where does this leave customers who pay by cash or cheque?The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced another extension to the Help to Buy Equity loan scheme. For many buyers this extension came at the last possible moment, the previous deadline was the 31st March and some stood to lose their sales. Other buyers had already received their deposits back and won't benefit from the two-month extension. We hear from a buyer and a conveyancing solicitor. Presenter: Dan WhitworthReporter: Aruna Iyengar and Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Beatrice Pickup
In this podcast we breakdown what was in the Spring 2023 budget and how the chancellor’s announcements impact your finances. The experts on the panel are:Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance at AJ BellDawn Register, Head of Tax Dispute Resolution at BDOMatt Copeland, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Energy ActionSubrahmanian Krishnan Harihara, Head of Research at the Greater Manchester Chamber of CommercePresenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Beatrice Pickup
Felicity Hannah hears how HMRC have extended the National Insurance top up deadline after a surge in calls plus a listener asks if a drop in house prices means they should worry about negative equity?Presenter: Felicity HannahEditor: Clare WordenReporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Eimear DevlinStudio Manager: Olivia Miceli
Grocery prices have increased by 17.1% in the four weeks to 19th February, meaning it’s at the highest level they’ve ever been recorded. This could mean households see over £800 extra on their annual food shop (Kantar). With grocery inflation being the second most important financial issue for the public, behind energy costs, we speak to shopper’s about how their household budgets are being affected. The experts on the panel are, Kris Hamer, Director of Insights at the British Retail Consortium, Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator at the Independent Food Aid Network and Lisa Webb, consumer expert at Which. Presenter: Dan WhitworthProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Clare Worden
The BBC understands that the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is expected to extend the Energy Price Guarantee at current levels for a further three months- but what does that mean for your energy bills?One of the UK's biggest flat share websites has told Money Box that rents are rising very fast: up almost 13% last year. In January 2022, the average UK monthly rent listed on SpareRoom was just over £650. By January this year it had risen to almost £750 pounds a month. We'll hear from them and also speak to a renter and landlord.And, as food inflation rises, we'll also look at what kind of impact that's having on household finances? Dan Whitworth speaks to supermarket shoppers in Halifax.Presenter: Felicity HannahReporters: Dan Whitworth and Star MacFarlaneResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 4th March, 2023)
The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is expected to introduce measures in his March Budget to encourage people who have retired early to return to work in-order to help revive the economy. In this podcast, we speak to people who are retired, people who are over 50 and looking for a new job, and some who are continuing to work after 70. With them, we identify what the barriers are keeping them out of work, and what the incentives are to keep them in the workforce. The experts on the panel are, Kim Chaplain, specialist advisor for work at the Centre for Ageing Better, and Adrian Adair, chief operating officer at Morson Group. Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodResearcher: Dan BaterEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 1st March, 2023)
The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, is expected to use his Budget on March 15th to introduce measures to to encourage people over 50 to return to work. Since 2019 there has been a rise in the number of people defined as economically inactive. That means they are not working, self-employed, or looking for work to claim benefits. The number rose by 830,000 between 2019 and 2022, with three quarters of that increase among those aged 50 and over.The Department for Work and Pensions has a programme to encourage people over 50 back into work by offering help with health support, pension planning and flexible working opportunities. Clare Worden visits Shrewsbury Job Centre to find out more.Some energy customers are being left for months with faulty prepayment meters. Several people have told Money Box that although their electricity has not been disconnected the screens showing their credit has been blank since Christmas and they cannot top up, so they have no idea how much electricity they're using or what it is costing them. The law says suppliers should take 'appropriate action' within hours - arranging to fix or replace the meter. Or at the least to arrange an appointment. We'll get reaction from their suppliers and talk to Matt Cole from the Fuel Bank Foundation.And where should you put your money to make the most out of it? We'll talk savings with Anna Bowes from Savings Champion.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Clare WordenResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 25th February, 2023)
With the end of the tax year fast approaching, people are looking at their finances and investments. But in a cost of living crisis with unstable markets, are they performing, and how should we be investing?The experts on the panel are Sangita Chawla, Managing Director at Standard Life, and Kirsty Stone, Chartered Financial Adviser at The Private Office. Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Elisabeth Mahy(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 22nd February 2023)
The Office of the Public Guardian has told Money Box it apologises to its customers for the distress caused by delays in dealing with applications for Lasting Powers of Attorney. Its target is turning them round in eight weeks. But its own website says people should expect to wait twenty. It also says it has recruited more staff to process applications and teams have been working around the clock to reduce wait times and are now registering around 18,000 more LPAs a month than before the pandemic. We'll hear from listeners and speak to a legal expert. If you're one of the millions of people who have a mortgage, or indeed would like to get one, you might have struggled to keep up with ongoing changes to the market in the last few months. In the past two weeks nine lenders have started offering fixed term deals at less than 4% while another has doubled the amount borrowers can overpay. We'll look at how they’re affecting new and existing customers.How should I invest? New research looks at active and passive investing, we'll speak to co-author Professor Crawford Spence of King's College London.And how can you avoid an huge estimated bill from your energy company?Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 18th January, 2023)
The problem of debt is never too far from the headlines at the moment. This week a group of charities - Citizens Advice, Step Change and Christians Against Poverty - told the BBC they're seeing record numbers of people coming to them for help with problem debt. Why is that and what can people who're worried about debt do?We'll also look at the "Buy Now Pay Later" industry as the government looks impose regulation on the sector for the first time. And we'll talk about when credit can be used in the right way.All that and more with our panel of experts, Sarah Pennells, a consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London and Richard Lane, policy Director at debt charity Stepchange.Presenter: Dan WhitworthProducer: Sarah RogersResearchers: Jo Krasner and Star McFarlaneEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 15th January, 2023)
The charity Citizens Advice says it's seen a sharp rise in the number of working people accessing crisis support in the past few years. In 2022, of the 200,000 people helped with a food bank voucher or an emergency grant, almost 24,000 - about 1 in 8 of them - worked. That figure was up more than double the number in 2020. We'll speak to Citizens Advice and get a response from the government.We'll hear from Harriett Baldwin, the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, on how she wants banks to stop dragging their feet when it comes to implementing changes designed to stop people from becoming victims of push payment fraud. UK Finance, which speaks for banks, says the industry is investing billions to try to keep customers' money safe and is working on plans to slow down certain high-risk payments to prevent fraud. From this week unmarried parents whose partner dies can claim bereavement support payment worth up to £9800. We reported a few weeks ago that the change was coming and this week the application process has opened. Anyone who thinks they should be eligible can now put in a claim online via gov.uk, over the phone or using a paper application form. More details here: www.gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment and from the charities Child Bereavement Network (https://childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/) and Widowed and Young (https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/).And we'll discuss what GDP means for our personal finance with Diane Coyle, Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge and a former advisor to the UK Treasury.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 11th Feb, 2023)
In the UK, millions of people go without the refunds, the replacements and resolutions they're entitled to - because they don’t know how to complain. In this podcast, we talk about the art of the complaint. What are your rights and how can you enforce them?The experts on the panel are Lisa Webb, senior lawyer at the consumer rights company Which?, and Helen Dewdney, a consumer champion. Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Elisabeth Mahy
Paul Lewis hears how complaints to the Energy Ombudsman reached a record high last year. Plus, the child benefit trap that is catching parents unawares. And we hear one listener's difficult experiences trying to sort out the financial affairs of her terminally ill father.Presented by Paul Lewis. Reporter is Dan Whitworth.Researchers were Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner, studio manager Paul Lewis.Our editor is Clare Worden.
It’s estimated that more than 900,000 people in the UK have dementia but that’s a number that's on the rise. It’s a diagnosis that raises a lot of questions, from the care that might be needed to the impact on family members, and of course there are worries about how best to manage finances as the illness progresses. This podcast is for everyone, but especially anyone who has concerns about how to protect their financial future if they lose the ability to manage their own affairs. It’s also for anyone who wants to know how they can best provide support for the people they love. To answer your questions, the experts in this podcast are, Victoria Lyons from the charity Dementia UK and Gary Rycroft a solicitor in private practice.Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Clare Worden
For the first time unmarried parents will be entitled to bereavement benefits after a change in law was passed this week. Until now these benefits have only been given to a bereaved spouse or civil partner. It comes more than four years since the Supreme Court ruled that denying them benefits was unlawful under the European Convention on Human Rights. The change will be backdated to the the day of that judgement 30 August 2018. We'll explain how it works and who can claim.Nearly a third of the vouchers issued to people on prepayment energy meters so they can access the government's Energy Bills Support Scheme have not been claimed according to figures released this week. It means more than a million households on the lowest incomes struggling to pay their energy bills are missing out on £400 of financial support offered this winter by the government. We'll investigate why that's happening, and what you should do if you haven't claimed yours.New figures from His Majesty's Revenue and Customs reveal that £5.3 billion was generated from inheritance tax, from April to December last year. That’s £700 million more than in the same period a year earlier. We'll explain how it works and who it applies to.Plus a reminder that the deadline to fill out you Self Assessment tax return is in just a few days time. (31st January 2023)Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 28th January, 2023)
As hundreds of people at two large debt advice charities face redundancy – we visit a local debt advice centre to see who they help and how.Mortgage rates are at their highest for 14 years - the average is five and a half per cent for a two year fix, nearly six and half for the standard variable rate. The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, predicts more than half a million people will be at risk of falling into arears over the next couple of years. We'll discuss what to do if you’re struggling to afford your mortgageWhen and how will people who live off grid - without a gas or electricity supplier - get the government help with their energy bills?And what are the options for saving if you're on a low income? We'll discuss the government's Help to Save scheme.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 21st January, 2023)
If you feel your income needs a boost, or you want a pay rise, then this is the podcast for you. We discuss top tips on how to negotiate a higher salary. Official figures show that wages have grown at the fastest rate in more than 20 years - but prices are rising even faster and the gap between public and private sector pay is at close to record levels. On the expert panel are, Helen Tupper, CEO of 'Amazing If', a career development company, Radha Vyas, CEO and Co-Founder of Flash Pack, and Ed Rossiter co-founder and CEO of Phoenix, a recruitment agency.Presenter: Ruth AlexanderProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast, 3pm Wednesday 18th January, 2023)
The anti-fraud charity the Fraud Advisory Panel says banks are inconsistent and being caught off guard by the emerging and growing threat of mobile phone fraud. It's when criminals steal people's phones not for the actual handset but to gain access to banking and financial apps. We'll hear from one man who had £16,000 stolen when he was mugged last year. UK Finance says the industry is constantly monitoring fraud threats to help protect customers and that this type of mobile phone fraud is not a common occurrence, but that the industry is not complacent about new and emerging threats.In April we investigated complaints about Scottish Widows after listeners told us about struggles to get hold of pensions and other sums. Since then our inbox continues to receive a steady stream of similar grievances. New figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service given to Money Box show that complaints about the company rose by more than a third last year. We investigate and get a response from the company.We discuss the new details of how His Majesty's Revenue & Customs is going to change the law to help protect consumers from rogue tax repayment agents - companies who claim things like marriage or work from home allowance on people's behalf. In the autumn Money Box discovered the number of complaints to HMRC about repayment agents more than tripled in just two years with nearly two thousand being made in just the first eight months of last year alone. And, how to get a pay rise and what you should think about before you ask.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo KrasnerEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast at 12pm Saturday 14th January, 2023)
As 31st January looms, there’s less than one month left for around 5.7 million Self Assessment customers to file their tax return or they may face a penalty. More than 12 million customers are expected to file a tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year by 31 January 2023 (HMRC). Whether you’re doing it for the first time this year, or not, we have the answers to all your tax-related questions. On this episode, we hear from experts, Clare Merrills, from HMRC, and Anita Monteith, Head of Taxation Policy, at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 11th January, 2023)
In 2020, Lasting Powers of Attorney in England and Wales went digital. If you had permission to act on behalf of a relative who could no longer do it themselves you could download a digital certificate to prove it from the Office of the Public Guardian. But some organisations including His Majesty's Revenue & Customs have told Money Box they will not accept these digital certificates and demand a certified paper copy instead. We'll speak to a listener who's struggling with the system and get responses from the OPG and HMRC.People living in Northern Ireland will be watching their bank accounts and letterboxes closely over the next few weeks for some long awaited help with the cost of their energy bills. Unlike the rest of the UK, households haven't yet received any of the £400 help people in Great Britain have been getting in instalments of £66 or £67 or £200 which has been allocated to help towards the costs of alternative fuel - like heating oil and coal. We'll find out when and how that £600 will arrive.Advice on what you can do if your identity is stolen - our reporter Star McFarlane investigates after it happened to her.And what to do if you haven’t filed your self-assessment tax return yet, and how to avoid a fine. We'll speak to Dawn Register from the accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth, Eimear Devlin and Star McFarlaneProducer: Catherine LundEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 7th January, 2023)
As the calendar page turns, so many of us also think of turning over new leaves, re-assessing what we're doing and how we are doing it. In this podcast, we are looking at the finances of happiness, in particular, whether there are lessons about the way we manage our money which can make us happier and improve our mental well-being. On the panel of experts are, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, Professor of Economics and Behavioural Science at the University of Oxford, and Mark Williamson, Director at the charity Action for Happiness.Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 4th January, 2023)
Money Box takes a look at three innovative energy projects changing the way people heat their homes to try to improve efficiency and reduce bills.First up is the village of Swaffham Prior in Cambridgeshire where residents and the local council have backed a scheme using air source and ground source heat pumps to warm people's homes. A new, multi-million pound energy centre of the edge of the village provides the energy through a newly installed heat network for any residents of the village's 300 homes that want to join.Secondly, Dan Whitworth visits the University of Salford and the researchers behind its 'Energy House 2' project - a scheme which has seen two, modern, full-size, detached homes built by developers Barrett and Bellway inside a science laboratory. This allows scientists to create climate conditions to put the homes to the limit to test how effective they are at being energy efficient.Finally a visit to Gateshead examines a mine water scheme being run by the council which uses the warmed water of disused, flooded coal mines to help heat council buildings and homes. More than a dozen buildings run by the council, including the local college and Sage Gateshead are signed up to the scheme as well as hundreds of homes. We'll examine how practical is it and what kind of a difference the scheme makes to people's bills.Talking us through each of these schemes are Dr Tina Fawcett from the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University and Ben Whittle from the Energy Saving Trust. Presenter/Reporter/Producer: Dan WhitworthResearchers: Sandra Hardial & Star McFarlane Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 28th December, 2022)
In a year when the cost of living has dominated so many of our programmes and of course your lives, we’ll return to some of the organisations and individuals helping families cope with rising energy prices, soaring food costs and prices that only go one way - up.Paul Lewis is joined by a community interest company which focuses on fuel poverty - Warm Wales, Broke not Broken foodbank in Kinross and the South Manchester Credit Union. We'll hear from just a few of the listeners who we've helped this year to keep more of their money. We have Money Box's top five Christmas crackers – tips to save you money in 2023. And the Maelgwn Male Voice Choir in Llandudno sings some carols.Presenter: Paul LewisReporters: Dan Whitworth and Clare WordenResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Star McFarlaneEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 24th December, 2022)
Christmas is a time for giving and often that means charitable donations. New research from the Charities Aid Foundation suggests fewer people are supporting good causes because of the rising cost of living putting pressure on their finances. In this episode of Money Box Live, we’re talking to charity founders about how the finances of their organisations are impacted. We'll also be joined by Caron Bradshaw, the CEO of the Charity Finance Group, and Alison Taylor, CEO of CAF Bank, from the Charities Aid Foundation.Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 21st December, 2022)
We discuss this week's Scottish Budget, from income tax to benefits. Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced that everyone earning more than £43,662 in Scotland will have to pay more income tax next year. It's as the higher rate of tax increases from 41p to 42p in the pound in April, and the top rate from 46p to 47p. We'll get reaction to that from people in Glasgow and analysis from Emma Congreve an economist who is Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute in Strathclyde. This month, we've seen freezing temperatures which, for millions of households, have triggered Cold Weather Payments. These are paid to some people in low income households who get means-tested benefits to help pay their higher energy bills during a cold snap. Payments of £25 are made automatically when the average temperature in an area is recorded or forecast to be at zero degrees celcius or below for seven consecutive days. We discuss who's eligible and how it works.Interest rates rose again this week for the ninth time in a row - from 3% to 3.5%, its highest level for 14 years. The decision will increase monthly mortgage payments for some homeowners at a time when many people are struggling with all the other rises in the cost of living. The Bank of England predicted this week that people with mortgages who need to refinance next year to a new fixed rate will face an average monthly increase of around £250 - that's £3000 a year. What does that mean for you?Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Clare Worden and Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12noon, Saturday 17th December, 2022)
At some point in our lives, we all experience the death of family, friends or partners, and it is never easy. It's made worse - by what can feel like an uncaring and unnecessarily complex bureaucracy which can make dealing with your family finances difficult, draining and confusing. In this podcast, we hear the experiences of some who have gone through these problems and we look at strategies to help.On the expert panel are, Nick Hill, Senior Advice Manager at Money and Pensions Service, and Melinda Giles, Council Member for Private Client Solicitors at The Law Society.Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 14th December, 2022)
It's going to be the coldest weekend of the year so far. We already know that typical energy bills will be double what they were last winter. So everyone is looking for ways to use less electricity and gas at the same time as trying to stay warm. One solution is being offered by so-called 'warm banks' - places where people can go to keep warm if they're struggling to afford heating costs. The Warm Welcome campaign now has more than three thousand places open on its website and says last week alone 80 thousand people kept warm in one of them - up by more than a fifth on the previous week. We visit Widnes library and speak to the organisers of the campaign. If you’re looking for somewhere to go to keep warm the website is https://www.warmwelcome.uk/Losing your spouse or civil partner is always a difficult time financially - the funeral, paying bills and losing a second income all add to the stress. There is money from the government to help - totalling more than £4,000 for those without children and nearly £10,000 for those with. This Bereavement Support Payment was introduced in April 2017 and is paid to surviving partners who are under the state pension age of 66. We discuss how to get it and how to avoid missing out.A third of all bank and building society branches have closed in the last decade. One solution to this is a new expansion of banking hubs. Our reporter Clare Worden visits the opening of a new hub in East Yorkshire. And how to make sure you don’t lose out on claiming a Cost of Living Payment to help with energy bills.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Clare WordenResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Star McFarlaneEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 10th December, 2022)
As households grapple with cost of living pressures and with Christmas just around the corner, many will be looking for cheaper options for the big day.We speak to listeners who share with us how they’ll be managing their finances this festive period.On the expert panel are, Richard Lane, Director of External Affairs at StepChange Debt Charity and Carol Mitchell, Retail Expert at British Heart Foundation.Presenter: Charmaine CozierProducers: Amber Mehmood and Clare WordenReporter: Star McFarlaneEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 7th December, 2022)
An new report suggests children are put at risk by 'loot boxes' in video games.More than a thousand steelworkers will share compensation of £49 million for pension mis-selling, but campaigners say it is unfair and inadequate. HSBC will close a quarter of its remaining branches next year. It is offering some customers free computer tablets instead. And more on spray foam - a plea for it not to be included in the Government's new £1 billion energy efficiency scheme because of the frequent problems it causes in getting a mortgage.
3.6 million couples in the UK cohabit, meaning they live together in a relationship but without getting married or civil partnered. In fact, they are the fastest growing type of family in this countryIf those couples break up then they usually split their shared finances without the help of courts or solicitors. In fact, splitting after buying a house or sharing bills together has become known as the ‘millennial divorce’ – only it doesn’t just affect millennials and there are none of the protections of divorce. That can make a big difference when it comes to splitting assets like the family home or pension savings.We're talking about this today because the government has recently said it won't be addressing recommendations for cohabitation law reforms - for England and Wales.The experts on this panel are Laura Pomfret, the founder of Financielle, an app and service focused on helping women manage their finances, and Graeme Fraser, head of family at BBS Law.Presenter: Felicity HannahProducer: Amber MehmoodResearcher: Star McFarlaneEditor: Clare Worden
We hear from a man whose home was valued at zero pounds which his mortgage provider said was because his loft was insulated with spray foam.70,000 victims of fraud are sent texts by the police asking them to make contact - but will their bank text them too?People from diverse ethnic backgrounds are paid less than people in the UK who are white. We ask why, and what can be done about it?
The surge in inflation is hitting wide and hitting deep, impacting everything from energy and fuel, to food and everyday household goods. With inflation this high, the effects are leading to significant changes in the way lives are being lived – well beyond those on low incomes. In practice, rising costs of almost everything has meant large swatches of Britain’s working households having to make material cutbacks, people’s disposable incomes being wiped out and donors of foodbanks becoming users. We hear from some of those people having to make changes to their spending.The experts on the panel are Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, Colletta Smith, BBC News Cost of Living Correspondent and Callum Hewitt, Deputy Manager at The Sanctuary Trust Limited (charity).Presenter: Ruth AlexanderProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Clare WordenResearcher: Star McFarlane
In this special Money Box we will delve into Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement and see what lies in the small print. How will changes to the support you’ll be getting to pay for your energy bills affect you? Paul Lewis and Nimesh Shah, the Chief Executive of Blick Rothenberg on why tax changes matter for you.What do announcements on benefits and getting back into work mean for those on welfare?And our reporter Dan Whitworth is live from Stafford Indoor Market to get reaction to this week’s inflation figures and the planned rise to the National Living Wage. Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 19th November, 2022)
With hundreds of thousands of victims and billions of pounds stolen every year, the UK continues to be in the grip of a fraud epidemic. We'll discuss the conclusions of a House of Lords report, which describes how police, telecoms, tech and banking sectors must do more.We hear from victims of fraud and we speak to experts Kathryn Westmore, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre of Financial Crime and Security at RUSI, and Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance.Presenter: Dan WhitworthProducer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 16th November, 2022)
A new report out today is recommending sweeping reform in the way fraud is dealt with in England and Wales. The House of Lords Digital Fraud Committee has spent six months looking at the systems enabling fraud, the response to fraud and how victims are treated. Recommendations range from a time limit stopping high value payments from leaving accounts, to what it calls 'less carrot and more stick' for companies who enable fraud. We'll speak to Baroness Morgan who is the Chair of that committee and hear from a woman who had part of her inheritance stolen in a sophisticated scam.One of the UK's largest mortgage providers has warned Money Box about the dangers of rogue companies installing insulation using what is called spray foam. Nationwide expects more homeowners to enquire about insulation as energy costs rise and the cost of living crisis bites. Dan Whitworth hears from those affected and gets a response from the industry.Can customers use government energy bill vouchers to pay for their gas as well as electricity?And the cost of living crisis has been called one of the biggest threats to animal welfare by the RSPCA. It's after a survey found that one in five pet owners are worried they won't be able to feed their animals. The office for National Statistics also says that the price of pet food has risen by almost 14% in a year, increasing more rapidly than the cost of food for humans of about 11%. We'll speak to pet owners and the RSPA.Presenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 12th November, 2022)
There are around eight and a half million families who rent - quite a bit more than those who have mortgages - so the rise in housing costs, on top of a cost-of-living crisis, is likely to be causing significant challenges for millions of people. The official numbers from the Office for National Statistics show that, on average, rental inflation is now 3.6%. It's highest in the East Midlands and lowest in London. But companies such as Rightmove, HomeLet and Zoopla report much bigger rate increases of between 9 and 12%. That is likely to reflect the situation that landlords are often not raising rents for existing tenants by very much but when a home changes hands - they may take the opportunity to raise rents much more significantly. In Scotland, emergency legislation was passed which froze most rents until the end of March 2023. So the situation is quite different from the rest of the UK. To guide us through what is happening and what best to do about it are: Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at the estate and letting agents, Hamptons, Deborah Garvie, Policy Manager at Shelter England, and Allan Fuller, an independent estate agent.Presenter: Adam ShawProducer: Amber MehmoodEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 9th November, 2022)
The interest rate rose to 3% this week affecting mortgage rates. We'll be looking at what that means for buy-to-let landlords. Many will have interest only mortgages linked to the interest rate so they'll begin rising almost at once. What does it mean for landlords but also tenants?We'll discuss how the freeze in tax thresholds impacts your income and look at what could happen over the coming years.Why over half a million households could be facing heating bills more than double those covered by the Energy Price Guarantee. It's because they warm their homes using heat networks - communal heating systems used in blocks of flats or housing estates.New figures suggest more than half of NHS and public sector workers eligible to get cheaper broadband are missing out.And is happiness linked to your income? How much per year would it take to make you happy? Email us with your thoughts now to moneybox@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Paul LewisReporter: Dan WhitworthResearcher: Sandra HardialEditor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 5th November, 2022)
Are you one of the nearly three million people who has lost track of a pension? There is almost £27 billion that has been paid in by individuals and employers into a pension pot, but the firm holding the money has lost track of the owners. We'll give advice on how you can track your lost pension and take listener questions.
Email your question now to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Featuring, Lauren Wilkinson, Senior Policy Researcher at Pensions Policy Institute, Duncan Stevens, CEO at Gretel and Nigel Peaple, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 2nd November, 2022)
Broadband providers have been told by the regulator Ofcom to 'think carefully' before making significant price rises. Most providers of telecoms and broadband raise their prices each spring in line with inflation plus three or four percentage points. That means some firms could put up prices by 16% next year - an extra £5 a month in some cases, and most have yet to confirm their plans.
Stories of economic turmoil and falling share prices have led many investors to wonder what they can do about their investments. Especially when they get financial statements telling them the value of their pension fund or savings have fallen sharply. We'll speak to Kirsty Stone who's an independent financial adviser at The Private Office about that.
The government has recently been encouraging claims for what is called Pension Credit - a top-up to the state pension for people aged 66 or more whose income is low. In June, the Department for Work and Pensions held its annual Pension Credit Day of Action to encourage people to claim this benefit. But has it been too successful? The Department says applications are at an all-time high but some listeners are telling us they're experiencing long delays.
And, what's it like trying to pay for energy bills when you're disabled. We'll hear from a woman with cerebral palsy who's got £5,000 of energy debt.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Sarah Rogers Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Star McFarlane Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 29th October, 2022)
Food prices are rising at their fastest rate for more than 40 years. Figures out this week from the Office of National Statistics the price of budget food is up 17% in the 12 months to September - with big increases in the cost of basic ingredients like bread, pasta, cooking oil and tea.
Add spiking transport, rent, mortgage and energy costs to that - and the squeeze on household finances couldn’t be clearer.
We’re looking at what the higher cost of living is doing to our spending behaviour. We’ll be hearing how some of you are keeping costs down - and also looking at potential options for financial support.
Charmaine Cozier will be joined by experts, Krystle McGilvery, a Behavioural Finance Consultant, and Michael Clarke, Head of Information Programmes at Turn2us.
Email us now with your experiences to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Amber Mehmood Researcher: Star McFarlane Editor: Justin Bones
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 26th October, 2022)
The Money Box team concentrates on the biggest cost of living fear that people bring to the programme - how will I pay my energy bills when the price of everything else is rising so rapidly and support may be withdrawn.
We'll ask what another new Prime Minister and the government’s scrapping of the Energy Price Guarantee after April mean for those facing fuel poverty?
Our reporter Dan Whitworth visits the Energy House at the University of Salford. It’s a Victorian terrace house built inside a warehouse to test energy efficiency. Listen out for top tips on how to save money on energy costs in the home.
And our experts will answer listener's questions on energy saving - from whether to keep your heating on all day to the most energy efficient ways to cook.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Star McFarlane Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast Saturday 22nd October, 2022)
The government has spent the past few weeks introducing and then withdrawing a confusion of financial policies, which first introduced the largest package of tax cuts in decades and then, in the face of market chaos, decided that they weren't such a good idea and withdrew many of them.
So where does this leave the personal finance of people who've seen two mini-budgets, two chancellors, an emergency bond-buying programme, mortgage rate increases and widespread uncertainty about the future?
In particular, we'll be looking at how it affects the self-employed - all 4.3 million of them.
Featuring Helen Thornley from the Association of Taxation Technicians and Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 19th October, 2022)
The Prime Minister has announced another U-turn in her government's tax-cut plan, in an effort to reassure financial markets. Liz Truss says she will reverse her plan to scrap an increase in corporation tax and admits the government's mini-budget had gone "faster and further" than many expected. It comes after the PM sacked her chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, and replaced him with former health and foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt. We'll ask what all this means for your income, pension, savings and mortgage.
The first £66 discounts from electricity bills are now being paid, but some suppliers are using the money to pay off old debts. Felicity Hannah investigates.
Charities call for changes to a website which they say is misleading disabled people over their eligibility for a railcard. We'll get a response from the Rail Delivery Group and the Department for Transport on that.
And the government has promised £100 to help with heating bills for households who are not on the mains gas network. We explain when and how it will be paid.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Team: Felicity Hannah, Clare Worden and Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 15th October, 2022)
As we move into a winter of record energy prices and double digit inflation, many families are facing the challenge of trying to keep costs down. But how do you educate your children about the cost of living crisis without scaring them?
Ruth Alexander and a panel of experts answer your questions on how to navigate what can often be a tricky subject, and share tips on how to teach your children about money.
Featuring Evelyn Forde MBE, Headteacher at Copthall School and President of the Association of School and College Leaders, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People Programmes at The Money Charity and Eileen Adamson, Money Coach at Your Money Sorted and co-host of BBC Scotland's Clever About Cash podcast.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Katie Barnfield Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 12th October, 2022)
In the past week energy companies in Northern Ireland have announced increases in the price of electricity and gas. It comes as people in Northern Ireland wait to hear the details of exactly when they will receive the £400 off their electricity bills from the UK government and when and how the Energy Price Guarantee will apply there. The UK government has said the Guarantee will provide equivalent financial support to those in Northern Ireland as the rest of the UK some time in November, but it will be backdated to 1st October. We'll hear from people in Banbridge in County Down and from Peter McClenaghan at the Consumer Council of Northern Ireland.
Sixty thousand people who had tax rebates claimed on their behalf by a company will have their money paid back to them, in full, directly by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs. It comes after an investigation by this programme. Dan Whitworth will have more on this.
Forty thousand people who had funeral plan policies with a company called Safe Hands Plans Ltd which went into administration are now being offered new deals to take up a plan elsewhere. We'll explore what those are and what it means for those affected.
Plus, how to avoid energy bill scams and how to talk to children about the cost of living crisis? We'll speak to Ricky Boleto, presenter on CBBC Newsround.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 8th October 2022)
With the energy price cap rising again, and the cost of living putting pressure on many people's finances - what can you do if you are struggling with debt?
Felicity Hannah and a panel of experts answer your questions on everything debt related - from credit cards and interest rates, to dealing with debt collectors, and support if you have been the victim of financial abuse. We also hear advice on how to spot loan sharks and what to do if you are involved with an illegal lender.
Featuring Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance at AJ Bell, Jay Lowe, Money Advice Manager Staffordshire North & Stoke on Trent Citizens Advice, and Cath Williams from the England Illegal Money Lending Team.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Katie Barnfield Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 5th October, 2022)
As energy bills rise, Paul Lewis and the team are in North Wales for a special programme focusing on the cost of living. The team will be joined by guests offering advice and support to those struggling to pay their energy bills, afford the cost of food and manage their money. Broadcasting live from the heart of Llandudno, we’ll hear directly from those facing a difficult winter and look at what help is available. Our reporter Dan Whitworth is also in Bethesda, a community leading the way on generating its own energy and learning how to use less.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Producer: Clare Worden Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 1130am Saturday 1st October, 2022)
With changes to the stamp duty threshold, some of the UK’s biggest mortgage lenders halting new home loans, and some economists predicting interest rates could double by spring, what does this all mean for you?
Our panel of experts hear concerns and questions from listeners about the housing market volatility.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Katie Barnfield Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Clare Worden
Paul Lewis has full details of what the mini budget will mean for your finances including changing tax rates, stamp duty alterations and support for those on low incomes. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Clare Worden (First broadcast Saturday 24th September 2022)
Ten million people would struggle to cope in a cashless society even though only 17% of payments are not made with notes and coins, the Royal Society of Arts found.
With thousands of bank branch closures in recent years, and access to cash withdrawals under threat, we discuss if we’re ready to abandon cash.
Dan Whitworth is joined by a panel of experts to hear callers experiences and thoughts on the UK becoming a cashless society.
With Natalie Ceeney CBE, Chair of Cash Action Group and Mike Chambers, chief executive of payment consultants Northey Point.
Presenter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Clare Worden
As the Government begins a sector review Money Box explores personal insolvency options and why some are much more expensive than others, plus what is a deed of assignment and might you have agreed to one? And Paul Lewis investigates a new fraud involving buy now pay later companies.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Clare Worden
(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 17th September 2022)
Today on Money Box we will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II by looking at what will change – from our stamps to our passports. We'll speak to Dominic Chorney - an Ancient Coin Specialist at Baldwin's - one of the largest coin dealers and auction houses in the world.
We'll also get reaction the government announcement on energy bills - answering your questions - email moneybox@bbc.co.uk.
Plus, more than fifty thousand people have applied for an interest free loan to help them pay for food at the supermarket Iceland. We'll speak to Simon Dukes, the Chief Executive of the lender Fair For You.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Producer: Clare Worden Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12noon, Saturday 10th September, 2022)
The UK Inflation rate has hit 10.1%, the highest it’s been for 40 years, and it’s set to go even higher.
In this programme, our panel of experts hear about your saving habits and answer your questions on how to protect your savings from the record levels of inflation we now have.
Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, Mat Megens, CEO and founder of HyperJar, and Bukiie Smart, personal finance expert, will answer your questions.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 7th September, 2022)
Millions of people living in social housing in England could see increases to their rent capped next year. A consultation has been launched by the Government. If the plans go ahead it would protect 3.8 million households from a rise of potentially more than 10 percent. We'll speak to renters on a housing estate in Cheshire and get reaction from the National Housing Federation and the Local Government Association.
If you're a pensioner you may have heard about extra money you could get to help pay your heating bills. The Winter Fuel Payment is higher this year meaning people who're eligible could get up to £600 depending on their circumstances. To qualify you must have been born on or before a specific date set by the government - which this year is 25th September 1956. We've been contacted by two people who reach pension age this winter but are unhappy because they don't fit that criteria. We'll get a response from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Plus, we'd like to hear from you about your saving habits. Are you managing to save at the moment? Maybe high prices are eating away at your nest egg or perhaps you're unsure what options you have - let us know - we have Anna Bowes, savings champion on hand to help.
And, why trusts need to be registered with HMRC.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 3rd September, 2022)
In this programme we'll provide answers and advice for those worried about the cost of energy. Household energy bills will rise again this autumn to two and a half times what they were last year. Bills for businesses are already climbing. Mike Foster, an energy analyst from Energy & Utilities Alliance, and Amy Taylor, a debt advisor and Chair of Greater Manchester Money Advice Group, will answer your questions. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 31st August, 2022)
In this special programme we'll answer your questions and provide advice for those worried about the cost of energy. Ofgem has announced that the typical household energy bill for people in England, Wales and Scotland will hit £3,549 a year from 1 October. People on prepayment meters will typically pay an additional £59 a year on top of that. Adam Scorer from the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action and Kathryn Porter from Watt-Logic, an energy analyst who's worked for EDF Energy and Centrica, will answer your questions. We'll get the latest from Westminster on what financial support people can expect this winter. And we'll hear more on the "warm banks" being set up by councils, community groups and libraries, for people to spend time in if they can't heat their homes.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Hannah Mullane Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm on Saturday 27th August)
A scheme offering interest-free loans to the financially vulnerable is being expanded to reach up to 20,000 people. After a successful trial at South Manchester Credit Union the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) will be rolled out across the UK from September. It's backed by the Treasury but will be run by credit unions and other lenders. The aim is to offer emergency loans to people who would normally be turned down because they can't afford the interest payments. We'll speak to Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen.
As a new survey, commissioned by the BBC, suggests half of people working are planning to increase their hours to boost their income and almost one in three people are thinking about taking a second job, we'll hear from the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group about the implications for tax and benefits.
More on how thousands of people may be able to boost their state pension by paying extra National Insurance Contributions. Paying just one missing year can mean an extra £275 a year for your pension.
Plus, less than half the firms that sell funeral plans look set to be approved by the regulator when tough new rules begin in six weeks. More on how you can check yours.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Katie Barnfield Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 18th June, 2022)
In England and Wales the school summer holiday is just beginning but Scotland and Northern Ireland are already well into their long and, often costly, summer.
But for some families the challenge isn’t just keeping the kids busy, it’s keeping them fed – particularly when food prices are rising.
Felicity Hannah, along with a panel of experts, are looking at what support is out there to help with food poverty and holiday hunger.
Panel:
Dr Megan Blake – Senior Lecturer, Food Security Expert
Billy McGranaghan – Founder of Dad’s House
Jonathan Sharples – Community Support Worker
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Producer: Amber Mehmood
Editor: Elisabeth Mahy
Food banks across the UK have told Money Box they are facing increased demand, but falling donations, as the cost of living crisis bites people across the income range. This research, which took place in June, covered 116 out of 505 organisations which are part of IFAN - the Independent Food Aid Network. Those 116 organisations cover 203 food banks across the UK and 9 out of 10 of them told us they had seen an increase in demand since the start of this year. More than half said they've also seen seen food donations fall. IFAN, a registered charity and anti-poverty campaign group, helps run food banks which tend to be run by volunteers across local communities. For context, we don't know how many food banks there are in the UK, but the Trussell Trust, which has its own network of more than 1,400 of them, recently reported giving out more than 2.1 million food parcels in the year to March.
We reported on Money Box a couple of weeks ago that energy prices are expected to rise substantially in October and then again in January. But why does the price get fixed by the regulator Ofgem? Would a change in the way the market works bring bills down? We'll hear from Dr Craig Lowrey, Senior Consultant at Cornwall Insight which produces forecasts of where the price of energy is going.
Why it's not too late for pensioners to claim extra help and get the first £326 cost of living payment that is being sent out this week. (the number for claiming is 0800 991234)
Plus, new data suggests many homeowners are fixing their mortgage rates early, in the hope of securing a better deal.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 23rd July, 12pm)
Being transgender or non-binary means you can have a lot of extra things to manage and finances, along with the admin involved, can be a big one.
Felicity Hannah is joined by a panel of experts to discuss changing your name and gender at the bank, the lack of options when filling in forms, and raising money for medical care.
Panel:
jane fae – Director – TransActual
Cleo Madeleine – Spokesperson – Gendered Intelligence
More info:
https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/ https://www.transactual.org.uk/
Families on a low income face spending more than a quarter of the money they have left after paying their mortgage or rent on energy bills from April next year. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says it's even tougher for single people on a low income with no children, where it rises to more than two thirds. The calculations are based on latest predictions from the energy analyst Cornwall Insight, which says the typical annual bill could reach more than £3,300 in the new year. The data also shows that the government's £37 billion support package has reduced costs this year. We'll get reaction from the government, the energy regulator Ofgem, and Energy UK who represent the industry.
It's not long until school's out for summer, in England and Wales at least - Scotland and Northern Ireland are already deep into that school summer break. We'll take a look at what financial support is on offer for families to help with costs.
How rising inflation is pushing more people into higher tax bands and what you can do about it.
And the listener who paid off her mortgage, only to discover the bank had used her money to pay off someone else’s.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Katie Barnfield Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 16th July, 2022)
After two years of Covid restrictions, much of the world has now opened back up and plenty of us are planning to take full advantage this summer.
But what if it all goes wrong? What are you entitled to? What kind of insurance cover should you get? And how can you make sure you have a happy holiday?
Felicity Hannah, along with a panel of experts, are here to give you the answers on all things travel.
Panel:
Simon Calder - travel journalist
Lisa Minot - travel editor - The Sun
Producer: Drew Hyndman and Di Richardson
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
It's been quite the week in politics and on this week's Money Box we'll take a look at what it could mean for your personal finances. One of the biggest challenges the next PM will face is the economy and the many households feeling the squeeze. It's thought some of the candidates favour tax cuts, but there's also pressure to increase taxes to control government borrowing. Heather Self a tax expert at Blick Rothenberg and Tom Selby from the investment company AJ Bell will discuss.
According to a new report, out on Monday, more people are falling behind with at least one household bill as the cost of living rises. Money Box has been given an early look at the Coronavirus Financial Impact Tracker, which suggests one-in-six households are now ‘in serious financial difficulty' compared to one-in-ten in October. Debt is also climbing - particularly among people who were already struggling. We'll speak to Professor Sharon Collard from the University of Bristol, who is one of the authors of the financial impact report which is funded by the Aberdeen Financial Fairness Trust. Plus advice from the debt charity Stepchange.
Also, if you ignore a current account for too long - can your bank really take your money? And how hard is it to get it back? Our reporter Dan Whitworth investigates.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 9th July, 2022)
Getting a cancer diagnosis can be a scary and fraught time, before you even begin to consider the financial pressures. Affording time out of work, the cost of getting to appointments, or even the price of drugs in different parts of the country can present issues for many.
Ruth Alexander is joined by a panel of experts to hear caller experiences of the costs of cancer.
Panel: Ceinwen Giles - Shine Richard Pugh - Macmillan
Producer: Drew Hyndman and Amber Mehmood Editor: Beatrice Pickup
From 6th July, everyone in work will see a cut in the taxes they pay. It's because the level of pay at which National Insurance begins will be raised. Two million people on part-time low pay will not pay any national insurance at all. Ministers say it's a tax cut of 330 pounds per year for a typical employee, but that is not the whole picture. The rate of national insurance rose three months ago. So this cut is in a tax that is already costing millions of workers more. We'll hear from families in Stockport on how their income is being squeezed and speak to the Minister responsible for tax policy Lucy Frazer, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
If you are a victim of crime it is most likely that your money is stolen through fraud. New figures out this week showed the amount stolen and the number of victims rose substantially last year - as they have every year that the figures have been collected. We'll get reaction from Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, Matt Parr.
A new act banning ground rents for most new residential leases in England and Wales came into force this week. It's part of the government’s Leasehold Reform plans. We'll find out more about the new rules from a legal specialist in leasehold.
Plus, why has a much anticipated code of practice designed to regulate the private parking sector been withdrawn?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast at 12pm, Saturday 2nd July, 2022)
Fraudsters are always trying to get at our money, and the pandemic has changed their tactics and their access to our data.
Felicity Hannah and our expert panel discuss the latest fraud figures, how to protect yourself, what your rights are, and what to do if you're targeted by scammers.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Producer: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Justin Bones and Elisabeth Mahy
Scottish Power has introduced late payments fees for its five million customers saying the move "brings us in line with other suppliers" and reflect the costs of collecting debt. The change comes at a time when consumers are facing record high energy prices with some estimates suggesting millions more households face the real prospect of falling into fuel poverty this winter.
An employment tribunal rules that a man suffering from long covid is protected by the Equality Act. It means employers have to make "reasonable adjustments" in the workplace to help sufferers and could have far reaching legal implications for the estimated two million people thought to be living with long covid.
We look into a listener's question about only paying for the energy she actually uses - instead of relying to estimated average payments across the year.
And the Universities Minister confirms in Parliament a roll out date of 2025 for Alternative Student Finance aimed at helping muslim students with sharia compliant loans. It comes after the scheme was first talked about during David Cameron's time as Prime Minister nearly a decade ago.
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 25th June, 2022)
Do you want to write a book? How would you go about publishing one? Many people now look away from traditional publishing and towards self publishing. Whether it's doing it all yourself or using hybrid publishers, which offer publishing services for a cost, it can be a risky and potentially expensive option for would be authors.
Felicity Hannah is joined by our panel of experts to discuss self publishing and to hear experiences, comments and questions from callers.
Panel:
Nicola Solomon - Chief Executive - Society of Authors
Adam Croft - Author of The Rutland Crime series.
Producer: Paul Waters and Drew Hyndman
Editor: Beatrice Pickup and Justin Bones
Single parents often face particular financial hardships, especially with the economy facing severe challenges and prices rising so fast. A single parent with no support can find it harder to get work, more expensive to find childcare and difficult to provide the basics needed for family life. In today's Money Box Live, Adam Shaw hears from listeners about the challenges and options available to single parent families. We also hear from Victoria Benson, the Chief Executive of Gingerbread, the national charity which works with single parent families, and from Claire Reindorp, CEO of the Young Women’s Trust.
Producers: Paul Waters and Drew Hyndman
This week, energy analysts Cornwall Insight predicted that the already record breaking price for energy will rise further and the annual cost for a typical household would be £2880, which is £900 more than it is now. The Chancellor has promised more help but the questions we've received recently show that many listeners are still not clear about exactly what they will get and when. Our reporter Dan Whitworth finds investigates how it will work for people who live in park homes or pay their utility bill direct to their landlord.
Some vulnerable people are being excluded from using their own money to shop online, as a result of new procedures imposed across the banking industry in March. We speak to UK Finance about what the banks are doing to make new anti-fraud features usable by people who are disabled, getting old, or don't have a mobile phone signal.
New figures from HMRC have revealed that 61% of eligible families are not claiming tax-free childcare, missing out on billions of pounds in savings. It comes as the Social Market Foundation announces a cross-party commission, that will work to analyse the impact of poor childcare provision on wages and poverty. We speak to John Penrose, the conservative MP, who will be part of the commission.
Also, who gets what from the hundred pounds it now costs us to fill up a reasonably sized car?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12noon, Saturday 11th June, 2022)
85% of families with disabled children use more energy, from electric hoists to extra heating and powered wheelchairs. Going without these can mean a significant decline in the standard of living and health for disabled people and their families. With energy costs soaring, how are disabled people coping? What support is available? We have tips on how can you save money on energy, food and other necessities as prices soar.
Adam Shaw is joined by Emma Tracey from the Access All podcast as they discuss the cost of living for disabled people.
Panel:
James Taylor - Director of Strategy - Scope
Helen Undy - Chief Executive - Money and Mental Health
Listen to the Access All podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02r6yqw
Producer: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Emma Rippon
Every time we buy food, put fuel in our car, or get an energy bill the cost of living hits us where it hurts - in our pocket. Prices are rising faster than at any time in the last 40 years and that is not predicted to get any better until well into next year. However, does the standard measure of prices rising overall by 9% a year reflect the reality of households? We'll hear from Jill Leyland of the Royal Statistical Society and from Michael Hardie of the Office for National Statistics about this.
We'll also speak to families who find themselves unable to afford essential costs. Our reporter Elisabeth Mahy visits Oakham in Rutland to see a beautician with two children, who is finding her money won’t stretch as far as she needs.
New data from the market research company NielsenIQ explores how our supermarket shopping habits are changing.
And we’ll hear from some online advice groups about what, if anything, we can change to reduce the impact of the cost of living crisis.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Elisabeth Mahy Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12noon, Saturday 4th June, 2022)
How do you tighten the purse strings when you've always been a big spender? Could your hang-ups be holding you back? And how could changing your mentality help your wallet and your mental health?
Ruth Alexander and a panel of experts chat to listeners and find our just how to change your money mindset.
Panel:
Norma Cassius - Psychotherapist and Founder - Think Like A Bank
Julie Flynn - Independent Financial Adviser and Chartered Financial Coach - Bree Wealth
Producer: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Jon Bithrey
This week, the chief executive of the energy regulator Ofgem warned the energy price cap could rise to £2,800 a year for a typical home. A few days later, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, unveiled a £15 billion package to help households with their fuel bills - the second in three months. We'll discuss the details of what that means for pensioners with Helen Morrisey from Hargreaves Lansdown.
We'll hear from the CEO of Amigo loans on a new scheme, approved by the High Court this week, which will allow thousands of people who were mis-sold loans to apply for compensation.
What to do if you end up paying for a subscription unwittingly or can’t cancel it – and how the government plans to try and prevent consumers losing out.
And a Money Box mini on the new interest rate for Premium Bonds announced this week.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm on Saturday 28th May, 2022)
Is that gym membership really worth it? Are there ways of getting fit for free? And can you ‘invest’ in your own health?
Adam Shaw is joined by a panel of experts to answer your questions.
Phill Wright - Business Transform Manager - Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
Steven Scales - Director of Membership and Sector Development – UK Active
To share your experiences or to ask a question email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Drew Miller Hyndman
This week, the energy regulator Ofgem, announced that the price cap, which most of us now pay for our electricity and gas, would be set every three months, not six as it does now. It says updating it more frequently should help avoid the kind of price shocks people are seeing now - with some saying their bill is doubling. It will also help the suppliers because if prices rise sharply they will not have to sell electricity and gas at below market rates for so long. Ofgem is also introducing a new charge on firms that offer customers cheaper deals. In future if someone switches to a cheaper supplier that supplier will have to pay a fee to their old supplier of part of the difference between the old and new rate. Critics say this Market Stabilisation Charge will make it uneconomic to offer cheaper deals. We'll discuss that with Neil Kenward the Director for Strategy at Ofgem.
As inflation hits a 40 year high with prices rising 9% a year, our reporter Dan Whitworth visits Money Matters an advice centre Glasgow, which says it's facing unprecedented demand for help.
And, in April, the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that for some people the interest rate on their student loans could hit 12% later this year, because it is linked to inflation. It warned that might put some school-leavers off university. Or that high-earning graduates might be tempted to raid their savings to pay off their remaining debt. We'll hear from one graduate considering borrowing to pay off his student loan, and speak to Nick Hillman, the Director of The Higher Education Policy Institute, about the pitfalls of doing that.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Amber Mehmood Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 21st May, 2022)
Are you ready for the start of university? From loans to bursaries, discounts to freebies, Charmaine Cozier puts your questions to our expert panel on all things student finances.
We hear from Jordan, Andrew, Phoebe, and Susan as we try to prepare you for higher education.
Panel: David Thomson - Head of Operational Support - Student Loans Company Tom Allingham - Save the Student
The National Pawnbrokers Association tells Money Box it will hold talks with the Financial Conduct Authority next week. That follows a report which shows people on low incomes are pawning goods to pay for food and fuel. As the cost of living crisis hits more households, pawnbrokers say they're becoming a more important source of credit. Critics argue that pawnbrokers charge annual interest rates of 120% and undervalue people's possessions whilst supporters say they're a vital source of finance for people on low incomes who can't get loans from banks. We'll discuss this - and hear from people in Chester selling things like phones and laptops in order to keep afloat financially.
New analysis of Land Registry figures suggests house prices have gone up by 11 percent since before the pandemic. But the data, which compares average prices of properties sold in December 2019 with those in December 2021 shows that not all homes are equal. Prices of terrace houses rose by 13% but prices for flats dropped by the same amount. Semi detached and detached houses rose the most. Up by 20% and 26% respectively. We'll discuss that with property and mortgage experts.
We'll hear how some young people are facing months of delays trying to access money from their Child Trust Funds.
And the new rules on claiming tax relief for working from home.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
(First broadcast 12pm on Saturday 14th May, 2022)
What happens when Long Covid means you just can’t work like you used to? What kind of support could you be entitled to? And do you qualify for any benefits?
Seb Choudhury hears from Holly, Jules, Lesley, and Sara about their experience with Long Covid. Whilst our panel of experts offer their advice and tips for returning to and leaving work.
Panel:
Ruth Cornish – Founder and HR Expert – Amelore
Will Hadwin – Benefits Adviser & Trainer
More information:
https://longcovidwork.co.uk/
Presenter: Seb Choudhury
Producer: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Maggie Latham
According to the charity National Energy Action 6.5 million households are now living in fuel poverty which is up 50% on October last year. Fuel poverty is defined differently across the UK, but if you cannot afford to heat your home to the temperature needed to be healthy then you are in fuel poverty. People struggling to afford their energy bill are always advised to contact their supplier. We've been finding out what help is available.
A report has highlighted the need to ensure low-cost flood insurance is available for those on lower incomes. According to the Resolution Foundation more than 1-in-3 of the lowest income households would like contents insurance but cannot afford it. It says as floods become more common in the UK more people could lose out financially. The government says everyone should have access to affordable flood insurance. The Association for British Insurers says there are already some low cost home contents insurance products for those in social housing and that it's looking at ways to improve financial inclusion. We'll speak to the Chief Executive of Flood RE which is a scheme designed to help insurers offer cheaper cover to those in flood-risk areas.
How will final salary pensions be affected by high inflation? The pensions consultancy XPS estimates that people on these pensions could be worse off by £7000 over the rest of their lives as inflation rises above the caps. We'll find our more about their research.
And what does the new Bank of England interest rate rise to one percent mean for your personal finances?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
How much does it cost to rent an allotment? What food can you grow if you don’t have a garden? And can you really save money by growing your own food?
Felicity Hannah chats to Sheila, Rebecca, Ross, Paul, and Jess about their growing questions and experiences. As always our expert panel is on hand to answer their questions and give their green fingered tips.
Panel:
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones – The Black Farmer
Russell Attwood – The National Allotment Society
Some government guidance to give some people a £150 council tax rebate in April to help with record energy bills has been changed. The treasury says it was always clear, including its press notice and the leaflet which went out to millions of households, that the £150 council tax rebate to help with the cost of living would be paid “from” April. More on this story.
More than two million people who rely on six means-tested state benefits are going to be moved to the newer benefit Universal Credit over the next couple of years. Just over half of them will be better off on Universal Credit, but the government estimates 900,000 people will be entitled to less money. The Department for Work and Pensions says Universal Credit is a dynamic system which adjusts as people earn more or indeed less, and simplifies the safety net for those who cannot work. We'll speak to a benefits advisor about the transition.
And, we'll hear from an 83-year-old grandmother who says her financial independence has been taken away after extra security measures her bank brought in mean she can no longer shop online. It's part of new procedures were imposed across the banking industry.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
How much would you pay to increase your chances of having a baby? Would you travel abroad? Borrow money or ask family for help?
The use of private IVF clinics is soaring and prices for a cycle of treatment can reach over £10,000. Felicity Hannah chats to Jess, Steve, Peter and Pragya.
And our expert panel responds to their questions and experiences.
Panel:
Tone Jarvis-Mack – Chief Executive – Fertility Foundation
Kayleigh Hartigan – Founder – Fertility Mapper
Katherine O’Brien - Associate Director of Communications and Campaigns – British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Ukrainian refugees are now beginning to arrive in Britain under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Money Box has been contacted by two host families having difficulty helping their guests open UK bank accounts. Karina, a doctor, escaped from Kyiv and with her mother and her 5 year old daughter. They then travelled 1,700 miles to London. They are being hosted by Roger Corke and his family. They need a bank account to get benefits and give them some financial independence. We'll hear about their experiences and get a response from the banks and the government.
Energy company bosses have been grilled in Parliament this week by MPs unhappy about price rises that critics are warning could push millions of people into fuel poverty by the end of this year. Also discussed at the same meeting was the issue of credit balances - when suppliers hold onto customers' money above and beyond what they actually owe. We'll hear from a listener about that and discuss plans by the energy regulator Ofgem to put in place more regulation to protect credit balances.
Also, one listener's experience of opening a new bank account and his shock at realising he also had access to three accounts from another couple. We'll investigate that.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle
Energy bills, the big food shop, the price of filling up the car - everything costs more just now and there’s no sign it’s going to change soon.
Felicity Hannah and guests ask where can you look for cheaper options, to make our money go further, but still have some fun?
She is joined in the studio by expert deal hunters who promise not to suggest cutting back on Easter eggs.
Bukiie Smart, accountant and the creator of the Save Spend Invest. Claire Walsh, a chartered financial planner. And journalist & money saver extraordinaire Mike Powell.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Scams are on the rise and small businesses are no safer from fraudsters than consumers. And in some cases, businesses are being scammed by their own customers.
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime, say that one in four small businesses are affected by fraud every year, with costs to businesses estimated at early £19 billion.
How do entrepreneurs keep their budding business safe? What should companies do to protect their data? And when it all goes wrong, who can help small businesses?
Louise Cooper hears from Shara, Raoul and Louise about their experience of scammers targeting their businesses.
And she’s joined by our expert panel:
Paul Meskall - Manager of Fraud & Cyber Crime Prevention - UK Finance
Dr Roger Barker - Director of Policy and Corporate Governance - Institute of Directors
Gary Rycroft - Partner - Joseph A. Jones & Co.
The Government announced plans this week to impose more regulation on firms where people legally buy and sell bitcoin. One major crypto platform where people do this is called Kraken - which is where 77-year-old Graeme moved more than half a million pounds which thieves then stole. Graeme was robbed of his savings, his car, and his house by thieves who manipulated him to buy cryptoassets. We hear from Curtis Ting, a Managing Director of Kraken.
In an extreme case of council tax arrears, we hear from Robert who has just received his first council tax bill after 24 years living in the same house. The London Borough of Barnet is demanding more than £30,000 in arrears. So what's going on? And does Robert have to - finally - cough up? We hear from barrister Alan Murdie who specialises in council tax, and edits the Council Tax Handbook for the Child Poverty Action Group.
Thinking of claiming a Working From Home tax rebate? Listen to this first. HM Revenue & Customs has told Money Box it will be launching a consultation this year to find new ways to tackle repayment agents who charge people for claiming routine tax rebates which they could claim free themselves. If you go via an agent, it could take half your pay out in fees. Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates, and we also hear from technology journalist David McClelland.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Marianna Brain Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon
Millions of households are facing a £700 a year rise in fuel costs from now with the increase in the energy price cap. This comes on top of other hikes in the cost of living like council tax and more expensive food bills. How are people coping now the cap has been lifted? An expert panel gives advice.
Expert panel
Dhara Vyas - Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Energy UK
Abby Jitendra - Principal Policy Manager on Energy, Citizens Advice
Welcome to April, the season of rising prices and higher taxes - including the largest increase in energy bills. The first of two payments to help with those bills should arrive this month - a £150 rebate paid by local councils to all householders in Great Britain in council tax Bands A to D. (In Wales and Scotland the money will also go to Band E-H householders who benefit from council tax reduction schemes.) For those who pay council tax by direct debit, getting the money should be straightforward. But as Money Box's Dan Whitworth reports, others - including students - may find it more difficult. We hear from Abby Jitendra, principal policy manager for energy at Citizens Advice.
What's going on at the pensions and insurance company Scottish Widows? Listeners ask Money Box for help with very long delays in accessing money and problems with funeral plans. We hear from Kirsty Stone, independent financial adviser at The Private Office.
From Wednesday 6th April, divorce will be easier in England and Wales. No more will one partner have to prove fault by the other. No more will a 2 or even 5 year separation be needed. It can all be done in 6 months, online and without the courts. And the same for ending a civil partnership. But is this too hasty to sort out financial arrangements? We hear from Jo Edwards, Head of Family at Forsters Solicitors.
More than £1.5 billion in pension credit went unclaimed in 2020 leaving up to 850,000 pensioner households short. We hear from Henry Tapper, of the Pension Playpen, about a new initiative from inside the pension industry to tackle the problem that a third of the pensioners who need this extra money don’t get it.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Marianna Brain
The cost of living crisis is fuelling valid fears about personal and household finances - but what happens when money anxiety gets out of control? Many young people worry about their own and their family's finances, but what can they do to conquer the fear? We hear from Iona Bain, musician turned financial author who specialises in millennial personal finance. She founded Young Money Blog after suffering with money anxiety herself. And we also hear from Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise, the national charity providing enterprise and financial education to young people up to the age of 24.
Presenter: Bukiie Smart Producers: Paul Waters, Maggie Latham & Drew Miller Hyndman Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon
Inflation is the rise in the price of everything we buy. This week the Office for Budget Responsibility predicted prices would rise more than 7% this year, peaking at nearly 9% this winter. We hear from Isabel Stockton of the Institute of Fiscal Studies, on tax changes and the worst inflation most people have ever seen.
Some very vulnerable people are facing an even worse cost of living crisis than the rest of us. The amount of money that working age disabled adults are allowed to keep from their benefits - the "minimum income guarantee" - has been frozen for 7 years, even though prices have risen. Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates. And we hear from a family affected, and from Jackie O'Sullivan, Executive Director of Advocacy for the learning disability charity Mencap.
The Chancellor is raising the income level at which employees start paying National Insurance. From July, anyone earning less than £12,570 will not pay NI contributions. How will this affect your state pension at retirement age?
Money Box has reported sad stories of people who are manipulated by thieves into investing in what they thought was cryptocurrency. Most retail banks follow a code intended to ensure that victims are refunded where they are groomed into transferring their savings to crooks. However, banks often refuse to refund the money stolen by these psychological techniques. But one bank, TSB, refunds almost everyone. We hear from Paul Davis, TSB's Director of Fraud Prevention.
And a major funeral plan provider, Safe Hands, goes bust with too little money to honour its promises. What faces their 45,000 customers now?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Marianna Brain Editor: Emma Rippon
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, gives an update on the health of the UK economy. What will it mean for your household finances?
A panel of experts will analyse what he says and we want to hear your thoughts too. Are you cheered or concerned by the state of the nation's finances? And how will it affect the way you spend or save your hard-earned cash? Also, looking ahead to the new tax year, we'll discuss the tax rises which begin in April and the outlook for our personal finances over the next twelve months.
Guests:
Heather Self, Corporate Tax Partner, Blick Rothenberg
Mike Brewer, Chief Economist, The Resolution Foundation
Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance, A J Bell
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Emma Rippon
We report on a man who was fed up with poor returns on his savings and tried to invest in cryptocurrency instead. But he ended up losing his savings, his car, and his house as thieves stripped him bare. Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates.
The government is about to announce changes to who is eligible to receive the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales. This £140 payment off one electricity bill will be raised to £150 from next winter. But charities are warning that there will be more than 200,000 disabled people who will no longer get the payment even though, overall, it will go to more people. We hear from Louise Rubin, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the disability equality charity, Scope.
One in four households will not be able to pay their electricity and gas bills in October if prices rise again as they are expected to - that's according to Citizens Advice, as the cost of heating our homes rises much faster than our incomes. Already millions of households are in what is called fuel poverty — unable to afford to heat and light their home. We hear from Caroline Flint, the newly appointed chair of the government’s Committee on Fuel Poverty.
And there are two weeks left to top up your 2021/22 tax free ISA. But would you do better using a regular savings account? We hear from Anna Bowes, co-founder of SavingsChampion.co.uk
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Richard Vadon
How do you make sure your pensions and savings and invested ethically? Do you know where your pension is invested? How much of your money is invested in Russia? How can you put pressure on your pension providers to invest ethically?
Felicity Hannah chats to listeners, guests and our panel of experts about how to make your money ethical.
Panel:
Lucy Coutts, Investment Director at JM Finn wealth management
Becky O’Connor, Head of Pensions and Savings at Interactive Investor
Find out more: https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/
Producer: Drew Hyndman
Editor: Maggie Latham
Buying things online will be more difficult from Monday. A new law means that every purchase will have to be authenticated by an extra process after you have put in your card number, expiry date, and CVV code on the back. It will mean better protection against fraud, but may exclude some people from online shopping. We hear from Rob Cameron, Chief Executive of Barclaycard Payments, and Helen Saxon, Deputy Editor at Money Saving Expert.
Two not-for-profit lenders have come up with a way to help low income families get the state help they are entitled to. Millions of people miss out of billions of pounds in means-tested benefits every year. Now these lenders have built in a benefits calculator to their loan approval process to help customers claim money they didn’t know they were eligible for. We hear from Theodora Hadjimichael, Chief Executive of Responsible Finance.
Thousands of people try to avoid paying care home fees by putting their house into a trust. They're told it's a way to avoid the local authority counting its value so they get their care free. We hear about one listener's unexpected £900 bill, and about the many pitfalls involved, from Annie Shaw, Saga Magazine’s financial agony aunt.
Why are petrol and diesel prices so high at the pump? Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates.
And a Money Box podcast exclusive - Disability Rights UK has lost almost £43,000 after NatWest mistakenly cleaned out its account without notice and transferred the money to the Crown. We hear from the charity's CEO Kamran Mallick - and whether Money Box is able to get the money back.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Louise Clarke-Rowbotham
(Photo Credit: Sturti/Getty images)
The average UK rent has broken through the £1000 barrier for the first time and inflation is starting to push up landlords costs.
How do you beat the rush for viewings? Could rent controls be a short term solution? And could a good tenant and landlord relationship solve all your woes?
Charmaine Cozier is joined by an expert panel for tenants and landlords to answer questions and offer advice.
Ruth Ehrlich, Policy Manager at Shelter.
Chris Norris, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the National Residential Landlords Association.
Elsie Bradley-Middle, Member of ACORN Renters Union.
For more information on renting and letting: https://www.nrla.org.uk/ https://www.shelter.org.uk/
Producer: Drew Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon
The telecoms watchdog Ofcom has drawn up proposals to make it harder for criminals to fake caller ID when they phone people. It’s called number spoofing and happens when crooks use technology to make the number that comes up on your phone appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate organisation like your bank or the police. We hear from Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s Group Director for Networks and Communications.
Big changes to the way student loans are repaid in England could change the balance for parents who can afford to pay for their education. The government's plans would extend the repayment period for the loans from 30 to 40 years before any balance is written off and reduce the earnings threshold at which the extra 9% tax kicks in. We hear from Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
A listener who pays for energy via prepayment meters asks if it's worth topping up ahead of prices rises in April. We hear from energy suppliers and the regulator, Ofgem.
Plus a David and Goliath story. Money Box listener David takes on HMRC over self-assessment tax return financial penalties. Listen to find out who wins this time - and how.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Ben Henderson Editor: Emma Rippon
(Photo credit Tero Vesalainen/Getty images)
As Russian military forces continue bombarding Ukrainian cities and civilians, are your investments supporting the Kremlin's regime? International companies have been pulling out of Russian investment, and pension funds and investment firms say they are reducing holdings in Russian companies. But what can ordinary investors do? Are you aware that a tracker fund or an investment bond might help support Russian firms? We hear from Lucy Coutts, Investment Director at JM Finn Wealth Management.
For 1.7 million people across the UK, funeral plans offer peace of mind that when the inevitable happens their loved ones will be spared having to pay for a funeral. But there is big change on the way for the industry and those customers. By this summer all firms in the sector must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, to raise standards in the industry. But an indirect consequence of this is that tens of thousands of customers could lose out. Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth has been investigating. We also hear from Matt Brewis, Director of Insurance at the Financial Conduct Authority, and from James Daley of Fairer Finance.
Many listeners have been getting in touch to ask about rises in the standing charge in their energy bills. We hear from Helen Barnard, Associate Director at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
And Money Box has won back more than £8,000 for a listener who received a huge - and incorrect - fuel bill from Ecotricity. The company founder, Dale Vince, explains what went wrong and what he thinks is going wrong with the wider energy sector - and how to fix it.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Ben Henderson Editor: Emma Rippon
(Photo credit: Anghi / Getty Images)
As the cost of living rises, more people are facing going into debt. Whether it’s your rent, mortgage, utility bills or credit cards, breaking the cycle of debt isn’t easy.
Who can you go to when you’re struggling to pay your debts? How do you prioritise your spending? Can you even negotiate your debts down? And how can you avoid debt altogether?
Felicity Hannah talks to Chloe, Chris, Manga, Christine and James about their debt woes and wins.
And to help advise and guide us through the world of debt they are joined by:
Amy Taylor, Chair of the Greater Manchester Money Advice Group.
Jayashri Lowe, Money Advice Manager at Citizens Advice Stafford North and Stoke On Trent.
Bola Sol, financial coach and the author of How to Save It: Fix your Finances.
For more information on managing debt: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ https://www.bolasol.co.uk/
Producers: Drew Hyndman and Sylvie Carlos Editor: Emma Rippon
Looking for the latest episode? New episodes of Money Box will now be available first on BBC Sounds for four weeks before other podcast apps.
If you haven’t already, you can download the BBC Sounds app to listen to the Money Box podcast first.
BBC Sounds is also available in lots of other places. Find us on your voice device or smart speaker, on your connected TV, in your car, or at bbc.co.uk/sounds.
The latest episode is available on BBC Sounds right now.
BBC Sounds – you can find exclusive music mixes, live BBC radio and more podcasts like this one.
A BBC investigation has found that more than 50 people were tricked into working for a design agency that turned out to be fake. They were hired during the lockdown and convinced the company was a successful business. But it had an online universe of fake profiles, stolen work and lies. Workers were all Jobfished.
Charmaine Cozier talks to BBC reporter Catrin Nye who investigated this story for the past 12 months and to former employee, Jordan Carter about what happened to him
The programme also discusses what lessons we can learn to keep safe while searching & applying for jobs and what you can do if your job was not “as advertised”?
We are offered guidance by: Keith Rosser , Co-Director and Chair of Jobsaware which provides free and independent advice on how to protect your rights as a non-permanent worker, whether that's through an agency, umbrella company or as part of the gig economy.
John Clinch, an employment lawyer at 3CS Corporate Solicitors Ltd
For further information https://www.jobsaware.co.uk/workers
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Plans to cut back on face-to-face debt advice in favour of regional call centres have been scrapped - for now. We hear from Craig Simmons, Head of Debt Policy and Strategy at the Money and Pensions Service, and from debt adviser Amy Taylor, who is also Chair of the Greater Manchester Money Advice Group. (Debt Advice links below.)
An estimated £75 million a year is stolen from people in the UK by online subscription frauds. You buy one thing and are secretly subscribed forever. Reporter Athar Ahmad investigates the scams designed to tie customers up into monthly payments without them realising. (And there's more on this story on File on 4 on BBC Radio 4, Tuesday 8pm.)
Around four million people have been moved from their energy supplier to one of the remaining big ones as 29 energy firms have gone bust since January last year. And that has left many people not knowing where they are with their bills - how much they might owe and to which firm and of course what will happen to any credit they have built up with the supplier that has gone out of business. So how do you get back £500 taken by your energy supplier who has gone bust? Reporter Dan Whitworth explains.
There are about 1.7 million homes in the UK that are heated by oil from a tank outside. But unlike with mains gas, there is no price cap. We hear from Money Box listeners, and from Ken Cronin, the Chief Executive of the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association, UKIFDA.
Debt Advice links: Money Helper - moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt# Citizens Advice - citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/ Step Change - stepchange.org National Debtline - nationaldebtline.org Advice NI - adviceni.net
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporters: Dan Whitworth & Athar Ahmad Researcher: Marianna Brain Editor: Emma Rippon
Valentine’s Day, this week, may have been good, bad, ugly or plain irrelevant – but for millions of people it will also have been expensive. So in today’s Money Box Live, Adam Shaw and guests look at the costs of dating.
What do you spend on finding and hooking up with someone? Is it worth spending money on how you look on dating sites, plus for the date itself? And do you split the bill at the end of a date?
Adam Shaw talks to listeners Jan, Roger, Fay, Georgie and Mike who tell us about their money & dating experiences.
And to help guide us through the finances of dating they are joined by: James Bloodworth, journalist, author and host of a podcast called "The Modern Dating Economy" and Jo Hemmings, dating coach & behavioural psychologist, a woman who knows her way around the love & dating game. For more information: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-modern-dating-economy/id1539621613 https://www.johemmings.co.uk/
Producer Smita Patel Editor Rosamund Jones
You could get the best Christmas present this year, cash you thought you had lost forever!
Louise Cooper and guests discuss how to trace financial assets you may have forgotten about in old bank accounts, pensions, investments and perhaps insurance policies.
Joining Louise Cooper to discuss how to locate your share of an estimated £50 billion languishing unloved and unclaimed in various places are:
Kaya Marchant, Pensions Specialist at MoneyHelper Carol Knight, Chief of Operations at The Investing and Saving Alliance Janet Reid, Head of the Lost Accounts Project at Cambridge Building Society
Producer Smita Patel Editor Alex Lewis
In April, benefits and the state pension will rise by just over three per cent. That is less than half the increase in prices which is predicted by the Bank of England. So people on benefits will be able buy less even with their increased benefits. One campaigner said it’s not so much choosing between heating and eating - more a choice between freezing or starving. What’s it like for people on the front line of the cost of living crisis and should taxpayers even be paying for a rise at all?
Last week we learned that the price of gas to heat our homes was going to soar – but most people are protected by the price cap. That’s not the case for around 800,000 households which get heating from Heat Networks - or communal heating - where multiple homes, usually flats, are heated by one boiler. The residents pay for their gas through management agents or housing associations. And because these are commercial contracts they are not capped like for domestic fuel. Their bills look set to triple or even quadruple. We find out what help, if any, is out there for them.
For nearly half a million UK pensioners living abroad the increase in their state pension will be even less than the 3.1% mentioned earlier. It will in fact be zero. In about 50 countries the pension is increased with inflation as it is in the UK. But in the rest of the world including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand as well as India and most African and Caribbean countries, the state pension is frozen at the rate it is first paid abroad. A petition to change this was launched in January but it still has barely half the signatures needed to get a Government response.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Chris Flynn Producer: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Marianna Brain Editor: Emma Rippon
Adam Shaw, listeners and experts look at the recently announced energy cap measures and discuss their impact.
The recent announcement of a huge rise in energy prices comes amidst wider worries about rising prices. Everyone is facing much higher energy bills and some are faced with the choice of heat or eat.
The government has stepped in, offering some financial help.
In today’s Money box Live Adam Shaw hears from listeners Peter, Mary, Tessa, Jacob , Jess and Sue about the impact of such measures on their lives and asks, Is it enough? And is everyone in the UK entailed to the money being offered by the state, to help with such pricey gas and electric bills?
Adam also talks to Neil Kenward, from the industry regulator Ofgem
They are joined by an expert panel who give information on where you can turn to for help and advice.: Alex Belsham-Harris - Head of Retail Energy Policy at the Citizens Advice And Dhara Vyas -Deputy Director of Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns, Energy UK
For further help & guidance on the Energy Price Cap & what money you are entitled, you can access details here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
A 54% increase in the energy price cap means a huge rise in what your provider can charge you to heat your home, keep the lights on and cook your food. The UK Government’s stepped in to help – many households will get several hundred pounds to lessen the bill shock. But what are the details about who exactly gets that money and how people can access it, what about households on low incomes and how does help vary across the UK? We put listener questions to a panel of experts to find out.
A Court of Appeal judgement has huge implications for the plumber who is now owed £74,000 in holiday pay after the court agreed he was an employee as opposed to being a self-employed worker. But beyond one person being showered with money what are the wider implications for workers’ rights? We examine this case, where it might go from here and what it means for other people in similar situations.
And as Britain’s biggest bank offers one of the lowest rates around for a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage we examine the state of the mortgage market.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Chris Flynn Producer: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Emma Rippon
Before you have children, it’s important to think about the finances.
And that’s just as true for anyone considering becoming a foster carer.
So, what are the allowances, fees, rewards and tax implications for those who welcome and care for a child in their home?
Felicity Hannah talks to foster carers Bryony, Walt, Dot, Phil and Jane about why they foster and their experience of the finances of fostering.
They are joined by an expert panel: Vicki Swain, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the charity The Fostering Network Harvey Gallagher, Chief Executive of the Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers And Suzanne Griffiths, the director of Foster Wales, which is the national network of 22 Welsh Local Authority fostering services
For more information about fostering, including the finances of looking after children, you can access the following: https://fosterwales.gov.wales/ https://www.nafp.org.uk/ https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/
And you can listen to an earlier edition of Money Box Live about Carer Leaver finances here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00139km
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Long lost, wealthy relatives who’ve sadly died but for whom you “might” be the next of kin – too good to be true or the real thing? We explain how to spot the difference and how to tell the good heir hunters from the bad.
A disabled mother of two is being denied Healthy Start vouchers for her young children because she is on the wrong benefit. The vouchers provide more than a thousand pounds over four years to help low-income mothers buy milk and food for their growing children. But disabled people on a benefit called Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only get the vouchers while they are pregnant.
The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales shows a massive rise in the amount of fraud being carried out against victims – up by more than a third to 5.1m cases between October 2020 and September 2021.
Inflation is already at levels not seen for a generation and this week food poverty campaigner Jack Monroe highlighted how she believes the real figure can be even worse for people on low incomes. So how was inflation first calculated, what are the different ways it’s been measured in the past, how do they compare to the here and now and should it be changed for the future?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Chris Flynn Producer: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Drew Miller-Hyndman and Sandra Hardial Editor: Emma Rippon
Email story ideas and questions to moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @Moneybox
As millions of people are paying even more for their gas and electricity, Charmaine Cozier, listeners and experts discuss why prices are set to increase further, the pressure it’s putting on household budgets and what options might be available to help cushion the financial impact.
We hear from callers Catherine, Peter, Janet & Mary about their experiences and worries regarding a significant increase in their energy bills.
And experts Abby Jitendra, Principle Policy Manager on Energy for Citizens Advice and Vanessa Clark, Partner at Baringa, a management consultancy that works with the energy industry, join the programme to offer advice.
You can access more information on the Citizen's Advice website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
From CryptoPunks to Bored Apes to original artwork and more, there has never been so much interest in them. Even big traditional art galleries are getting in on the action.
Felicity Hannah looks at the financial world of NFTs, non-fungible tokens. They have a boring, slightly odd sounding name but they are generating a lot of excitement. So what are they, why do people want them and what are the risks?
Are NFTs dangerous speculation or a new kind of asset?
Joining the discussion are Andrea Baronchelli, associate professor in Mathematics at City University of London, & lead on the Token economy at The Alan Turing Institute. and Genevieve Leveille, CEO and Co-Founder of the blockchain-based business AgriLedger.
The programme also hears from Bella and Jack who have bought NFTs. Frances Coppola. economist & Journalist, Sebastian Fahey, head of the NFT division at the auction house Sotheby’s & artist Waxbones.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
A Money Box investigation has discovered how a scam that saw criminals steal nearly £4m from 69 victims was barely investigated by the police – a response described by HMIC as “woeful”. Of the 69 cases, only 5 were passed on for investigation. We find out why.
Twelve senior tax experts have asked the Chancellor to consider a new settlement opportunity for taxpayers facing what is called the loan charge. 50,000 people have been told they owe tens of thousands of pounds to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs due to the way they were employed in the past. These demands have caused serious financial hardship, in many cases with devastating personal consequences.
Most households are facing a serious jump in the price they pay for energy in April as the price cap on energy bills looks set to increase by up to 50%. We answer one listener’s question about whether or not he’ll still have to pay more despite only using electricity in his home and being with a 100% renewable energy supplier.
CREDITS: Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Chris Flynn Producer: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Drew Miller-Hyndman and Sandra Hardial Editor: Emma Rippon
Would you ever consider being responsible for someone else’s mortgage? Or their rent? Or a debt? What if it was someone you loved and wanted to help?
That’s exactly what guarantors agree to do. Felicity Hannah, callers & an expert panel discuss how it works, why it’s needed and what happens if something goes wrong.
We hear the experience of Philippa, Clare, Peter, Tim & Geraldine alongside advise from:
Jayastri Lowe, Money Advice Manager for Citizens Advice Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire North. John Wightman, Head of Practice for Lending & Affordability at the Financial Ombudsman Service. Gary Rycroft, senior partner & solicitor at Joseph A. Jones & Co, based in Lancaster.
And you are access more information about being a guarantor via: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/using-a-guarantor www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/credit-borrowing-money/guarantor-loans
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
In April households are likely to see an increase of up to 50% in the cost of their energy bills. Many people already struggle to pay for gas and electricity so the upcoming price hike is expected to push many more into debt with their suppliers. What can people – and the energy industry – do to try to minimise the impact on people’s finances?
Starling Bank has stopped paying for adverts on Facebook and Instagram until, it says, they do more to stop scam ads from being placed on their sites. We find out what Facebook parent company Meta has to say about the move and find out what action, if any, the other challenger and traditional banks are doing about it.
Individual Voluntary Arrangements to help people find a way out of debt have come under the microscope before for being mis-sold. Now there is a consultation about their use.
And after a huge response to a story about cheques on last week’s programme we hear from listeners about their thoughts on them and take an alternative, historical look at those humble rectangular pieces of paper that stir so much passion.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Chris Flynn Producer: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Drew Miller-Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon
It takes a lot to get started in adult life - finding a flat, learning to budget, perhaps heading to university or a first job.
Many new adults rely on their parents for help but more than 10 thousand young people a year leave the care system.
In this edition of Money Box Live, Felicity Hannah, care leavers, a foster parent and a panel of experts discuss what support is on offer for young people leaving care.
We hear from Callie, Mark, Chantel and Elias about their lives in care and how they have been treated by the system in relation to their financial entitlements. Joining them are Carrie Wilson Harrop, Young Persons consultant at The Care Leavers Association; Sam Turner, Policy and Participation Manager at BECOME, a national charity for children in care and young care leavers and Eilidh Malcolmson, a team leader who works with the continuing care and aftercare social work team for North West Glasgow.
www.becomecharity.org.uk - helpline 0800 023 2033 or advice@becomecharity.org.uk
www.careleavers.com
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Automatic pensions are suggested for 18-21-year olds, the best ways to invest your money in 2022, the tax implications of cash inducements - and the rise and fall of cheques.
There is growing support to reduce the age at which auto-enrolment pensions start. Currently, the limit is 22 years old, leaving younger people missing several years of contributions. We look at what those extra years could mean in terms of financial support for later in life.
2021 was a good year for investors with the FTSE 100. It recovered from a 14.3% fall in 2020 by rising…14.3%. It was the best year for the UK stock market since 2016. But with inflation on the rise, what are the best options for people with some cash to invest in 2022? We get advice from two experts.
What are the tax implications of all those cash offers and incentives customers get to switch things like bank accounts? Does HMRC even have to know? We answer one listener’s question about just that.
And when did you last write a cheque? A generation ago they were a common means of payment. Even ten years ago they were still used regularly. But with the introduction of internet banking and instant online transfers and payments their use has plummeted. Last year cheques accounted for fewer than one in three hundred payments made in the UK — just 135 million out of a total of 40 billion transactions. So what does the future hold for those small bits of paper?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Chris Flynn Producer: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Drew Miller-Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon Studio Manager: Antonio Fernandes Production Coordinator: Janet Staples
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @Moneybox with questions for the team.
Pyjamas and jumpers are the most unwanted gifts we receive and in the post-Christmas period about 10% of us return at least one gift to the shops.
Since we spend about £80 billion over Christmas each year returning even a fraction of that involves a huge amount of money, both for shoppers and the shops.
Adam Shaw and guests explore what are our consumer rights. What you can and can’t return? What you need to prove the purchase was made and where a bit of post-Christmas goodwill might help you get a refund and exchange
Joining Adam are experts Jemma Cox from Welsh Trading Standards, Martyn James from the free resolution service Resolver, and Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA, which is the leading trade association for independent retailers in the UK. And they hear from shop owners and customers about their experiences.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Felicity Hannah and guests discuss how to make money from unwanted presents and belongings. And they hear from listeners who sell on, re-gift and rent out.
How we manage financial relationships with the people we care about. whether it be sharing money, lending it or simply having a different view about money from your partner, it can lead to friction or arguments with those closest to us.
Felicity Hannah is joined in the studio with Dee Holmes, a counselor from the relationship charity Relate and Julie Flynn, an independent financial advisor & certified financial coach, as well as listeners Mohammed, Ollie, Sarwar and Sally who share their experiences.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Money Box listener Rebecca found herself caught between two of the UK’s biggest energy firms. After moving to a new home in the summer she changed the supplier from British Gas to EDF. Then a few weeks ago she received bills from both companies, meaning she'd have to pay twice for the gas she’d used once. Rebecca tried to resolve the situation in between her long shifts on an A&E ward but both firms insisted she owed the money and she received a legal threat. Then Money Box stepped in……
This week interest rates rose for the first time in more than three years. What might the increase from 0.1% to 0.25% mean for those savers getting much less than that from their accounts?
If you’re planning on buying gift cards for Christmas - spare us a minute of your time first.
The Bank of England says it wants to scrap a mortgage affordability rule that aims to prevent people getting into financial difficulty. It’s the one where applicants need to prove they could still make monthly payments if their mortgage interest rate rose to 3% above the lenders’ standard variable rate. A consultation on the change is due to start early next year.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon
Sixteen years after it appeared as the first of its kind in the world, Zopa has announced it's leaving the peer-to-peer lending business to focus on banking activities. Peer-to-peer matches people who want to lend money with individuals or businesses that need it. What will it mean for Zopa investors, borrowers and the wider industry?
A new partnership is set to increase protection for people who are in debt to loan sharks. The collaboration between the Vulnerability Registration Service and the Illegal Money Lending Team will enable utility suppliers, mobile phone firms and other organisations to identify and support more of their vulnerable customers.
A married couple have two full state pensions - but one is much higher that the other. We explain why.
This week Bank of England Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent warned that inflation in the UK will “comfortably exceed 5 percent” by the spring. Rock bottom interest rates on savings accounts are well below that meaning the spending power of money in them will erode over time. So might investing be the way to protect savings against rising inflation?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Researcher: Drew Miller Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon
Buying a home is likely to be the biggest investment of our lives and it’s no wonder that people want to spend money improving it.
During lock down, many more of us have been laying our own patios, fixing shelves or employing builders to create the extension that we’ve always dreamt about.
Adam Shaw , expert guests and listeners discuss the finances of home improvements. How to negotiating with builders, how much to set aside for contingencies, what to do if you feel the job is not up to standard and how to get your money back if you are not satisfied.
We hear the experiences of first time buyer Frances, builder Tomas and DIY shop owner Louis alongside experts Brian Berry, the CEO of the Master Builders Federation. Chloe McCulloch, the Editor of publication & website, Building and Martyn James from the independent, free, issue resolution service, Resolver.
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk to share an experience or with a question for the panel.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
A 26-year-old believes his drink was spiked on a night out and his finger print used to unlock his smart phone allowing thieves to steal £18,000 from his bank accounts. A leading anti-fraud campaigner warns that criminals appear to be adopting the "sinister" tactic of spiking drinks to get money.
The Government is asking Parliament to pass a retrospective law which would make it easier to collect tax from higher income people who claim child benefit. The Finance Bill measures stand to override a legal ruling which allowed some households, where someone has income over £50,000, to keep the High Income Child Benefit Charge which they should have paid. Courts had decided that HMRC should not have used discovery assessments, which allow it to reopen closed tax periods and issue bills for previous years, to recover it.
Some people on low incomes may find it harder to receive tax credits and other benefits after the way the money is paid changes next year. It's part of a wider government push to get all entitlements paid into bank accounts but debt experts warn that some vulnerable people may not meet the criteria for a bank account.
This week Zog Energy became the 25th supplier to collapse. If yours has ceased trading with your account in credit how do you get a refund?
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Researcher: Drew Miller Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon
Restricting access to money, bank accounts and the right to earn an income are a few of the many and varied forms of financial abuse, often accompanied by other types of domestic violence.
Sadly it’s estimated that one in six people in the UK are dealing with this deeply distressing method of coercive control.
In this episode Felicity Hannah hears from some of those affected and about the organisations ready to help including:
Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, founder and CEO, of the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) Cris McCurley Partner & Solicitor at Ben Hoare Bell.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
A High Street bank has refunded £145,000 to a man in his eighties after Money Box intervened. Alan was persuaded by thieves to transfer tens of thousands of pounds into what he thought were investments. The money was moved through his account at Metrobank which for many years had seen little activity. But the bank failed to notice large sums being transferred in from his savings and investments and out again almost at once. When a different bank finally blocked the scam, Metrobank only recovered a small proportion of the stolen money before closing the case. Then Money Box intervened and won back for Alan the full amount. We hear from Alan's wife Elizabeth. And from Morven Lean of the Alzheimers Society on how to work with banks to protect relatives with dementia from theft. Plus Kate Frankish of PayUK reveals new ways they're developing to try to cut authorised push payment fraud in future.
Also - Dave, who got in touch with Money Box , describes the "black hole" he entered when the Department of Work and Pensions told him part of his salary could be taken to pay off a £1,000 benefits debt. The problem was - he'd never claimed the benefit, didn't owe the money and wasn't told which part of government was poised to take it from him. A year after problems like these were first raised by the programme, Stephen Timms, chair of the Work and Pensions select committee, assesses how well the DWP is fixing them.
Plus - Would you borrow half the deposit you needed to buy a home if it meant losing half the profit when you sell it?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Drew Miller Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon
What does it cost to run an online business? Small business owners share their experiences of setting up, marketing and developing their online brand with Adam Shaw and guests.
If you've a story, a good tip or lesson learnt we'd love to hear from you. Tweet @Moneybox or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you'd like to join in.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
We're urged to be more environmentally friendly, but one listener has found he cannot release the equity he has tied up in his specially built, and officially signed off, eco-house. Is the equity release market out of step with efforts to counter climate change? We find out, with Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth and Amanda Moore, senior adviser at the UK’s largest equity release advice firm, Key.
Money Box has fresh revelations about criminal websites on the open internet. Two weeks ago we told you about the websites on which crooks buy and sell your confidential financial information. This week, Money Box reporter Kaf Okpattah has found another website which sells a do-it-yourself tutorial explaining how to bypass banking security by intercepting one-time passcodes, in order to steal money from accounts. The government is proposing an Online Safety Bill - but will it stop criminals taking our cash? We hear from Damian Collins MP, Chairman of the parliamentary Select Committee looking into it.
Some people who claimed Universal Credit benefits during the Covid pandemic may have to pay it back because the Department for Work and Pensions is suspicious about some claims. That's according to the Child Poverty Action Group, which says the DWP may be acting unlawfully by assuming that anyone who has failed to verify their identity in time - by sending a selfie by their front door holding a local newspaper, for instance - has been wrongly claiming help. We hear from CPAG solicitor, Claire Hall.
And our Money Box Mini this week: Can I give my beach hut to somebody without anyone having to pay tax? Listen in for the answer.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporters: Dan Whitworth & Kafui Okpattah
How do you turn a brilliant idea into a usable and saleable product, what does it cost to protect your design and how do you get the funding to start production?
On Wednesday’s programme Adam Shaw speaks to independent inventors who've developed solutions to personal problems and now sell them worldwide.
If you’ve an experience or question you’d like to share we’d love to hear from you too. Tweet @Moneybox or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
We hear from a new starter whose boss asked her to buy £800 of vouchers - but it turned out to be a scam. Employers’ social media could be putting staff at risk from fraudsters, but to whom can victims turn for compensation? Dr Elisabeth Carter, criminologist and forensic linguist at the University of Roehampton tells us how scammers use a technique known as "genre mapping".
Many of us who are self-employed or with side hustles channel the income through our personal accounts, but as one Money Box listener and yoga teacher found out, it can lead to your personal account being suddenly frozen. Andy Chamberlain from IPSE - The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed - lays out account holders' rights.
If you're half of one of the almost one in 10 married couples with an age gap of more than 10 years, your pension could take a surprise hit in the event of your partner dying. Many pension schemes contain a discretionary clause known as the “young spouse discount.” One Money Box listener tells us how her pension was unexpectedly and substantially reduced when her husband of 40 years died - because he was 25 years older than her. We also hear from former pensions minister, Steve Webb, partner at the pensions analysts, Lane, Clark and Peacock.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Kafui Okpattah
Felicity Hannah talks to parents and community groups about the challenges facing many families and asks what financial and practical support is available.
We'd love to hear your views and questions. Tweet @Moneybox or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk and remember to include a phone number if you'd like to take part.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
How much should the state pension rise by? Baroness Ros Altmann says pensioners are being short changed by a government plan to temporarily break the link with earnings. It'll save tax payers billions, but cost each pensioner hundreds of pounds. Baroness Altmann tells how she hopes to block the plan in the House of Lords next week and force a rethink.
A Money Box investigation has discovered that criminals are openly buying and selling your financial information online. This data is known as “fullz”. This illegal trade used to take place on what is called the dark web but has now moved to social media and the ordinary web where it's much easier to find. Money Box Reporter Kaf Okpattah has been delving into the "fullz" trade. We also hear from a victim of the fraudsters, from Jason Dyer of cybercrime intelligence firm Scylla Intel, and from Amber Burridge, Head of Fraud Intelligence at CIFAS.
People in Northern Ireland are facing even bigger rises in their gas and electricity bills than those in the rest of the UK. It's been described as the "worst energy price shock since the 1970s.” Gas bills have already gone up by 35 per cent in some cases, and there have been big price rises for electricity and heating oil - which most people use in Northern Ireland. More increases are expected in December. We hear John French, the CEO of the Utility Regulator of Northern Ireland.
And the boss of one energy supplier says it's up to customers to wear more clothing if they want to keep their bills down. We hear from Bill Bullen, Chief Executive of Utilita Energy, about his Wear Warm campaign and why he says householders should not let their home temperature rise above 21°C.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Researcher: Chris Blake
What will Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Autumn Budget mean for your personal or household finances? Paul Lewis and guests would love to hear your views and questions on Wednesday's Money Box Live.
Joining Paul are:
Laura Suter, Head of Personal Finance, A J Bell Heather Self, Corporate Partner, Blick Rothenberg Mike Brewer, Chief Economist, The Resolution Foundation Anita Monteith, Tax Technical Lead and Senior Policy Adviser, ICAEW
Tweet @Moneybox or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk and remember to include a phone number if you'd like to take part.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones
The government has launched its new green investment bond for savers. The money raised will go to the Treasury and it says help pay for existing green priorities such as making transport cleaner and supporting energy efficiency. Individuals can put up to £100,000 into the National Savings & Investments green bond. It will pay 0.65% a year for three years. But there are dozens of similar products that pay a lot more. Is that the price of going green with your finances? We hear from Becky O’Connor, head of pensions and savings at Interactive Investor.
If your energy firm has gone bust and you’re on a low income can you still get the £140 warm home discount off your winter electricity bill? We cut through the confusion with the help of energy analyst Ellen Fraser from Baringa consultants.
The pensions gender gap is estimated to be more than double the earnings gap between men and women. But why do pensions magnify the disparity between men’s and women’s pay? Why are women losing out? And how can young women today ensure they're not on the wrong side of a pensions gap when they retire in future? Money Box researcher Anita Langary, and Daniela Silcock, head of policy research at the Pensions Policy Institute, explain.
And Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates the case of a graduate who has got back the £1100 she overpaid on her student loan — six years late. Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, explains how to find out if you have overpaid the Student Loans Company, and how to get your money back.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary
Many financial products are labelled as green, sustainable or ethical but how can you be sure that your mortgage, investment or pension really does have a positive environmental impact? What are the options and where can you find the information you need?
Why not join the conversation with Felicity Hannah and guests on Wednesday's Money Box Live. e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you'd like to take part.
On the panel:
Lily Tomson, Share Action. Rebecca O’Connor, Interactive Investor. Jeannie Boyle, EQ Investors.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Paul Waters and Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Debt advisers in England fear that government plans to change the way their service is funded will see big cuts in the amount of face-to-face advice available.
We hear from a woman who says in-person debt advice helped turn her life around, in a way that online of over the phone assistance could never match. And debt adviser Amy Taylor, who is chair of the Greater Manchester Money Advice Group, tells us about the impact the changes could have in face-to-face help for people in her region.
The parents and guardians of young people who lack mental capacity are still being denied access to their child trust funds, despite the government promising to look at the problem a year ago. In the wake of this week's House of Lords debate on the issue, we hear from campaigning parent Andrew Turner on changes he would like to see to the current expensive, difficult and lengthy legal process facing families who want to access the cash their children need.
And as three more energy suppliers go bust this week, Dermot Nolan, the former chief executive of the energy regulator Ofgem, tells us what he thinks is wrong with the system... and how it should change.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Editor: Emma Rippon
Joice Etutu hears about some of the financial, mentoring and marketing initiatives supporting black entrepreneurs. Can business know-how and raising consumer awareness help to bring about positive change and address economic equality?
We’d love to hear from you too, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk with your ideas and experiences.
Presenter: Joice Etutu Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Hundreds of thousands of small businesses are not covered by the energy price cap which sets a maximum charge for each unit of electricity and gas. The existing cap only applies to domestic customers. Many small businesses have seen their bills soar over the last few weeks.
Edinburgh University is denying some students access to its healthcare service because the GP register is full. But can the students claim for having to go private?
And the contactless payment limit on your cards will rise to £100 next Friday. Some banks are letting customers choose their limit.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Researcher: Anita Langary Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
As temperatures drop and energy prices rise we're talking about bills, energy providers and switching on Wednesday's Money Box Live.
What are your rights if your energy supplier stops trading? What happens about credits you’ve built up or money you owe? Do you have a say about the new tariff you’re moved to and is financial support available if you’re worried about paying your bills?
We’d love to hear your energy stories, questions and views so e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now. Please include a phone number if you’d like to chat to presenter Adam Shaw and guests on Wednesday.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
People in England and Wales who started university from September 2012 could see their student loan repayments rise by hundreds of pounds a year.
Economic abuse has grown during the pandemic. We talk to one woman who was forced into debt by her husband.
And one 82-year- old wants to know where his £1200 savings bond has gone which he took out in 1986. How do you trace old financial products?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Alex Lewis /Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as the furlough scheme is coming to an end and we'd like to hear what this means for your job or your business.
Are you able to work as you did before the pandemic, or will you be facing difficult financial and personal decisions?
What are the alternatives and potential solutions if staff or employers need or want to work differently?
Whether you’re running a small business or you’re an employee, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you'd like to take part.
Joining Paul Lewis on the panel are:
Maya Alba-Heller, ACAS Adviser Hannah Thomas, Employment Solicitor, Markel Law
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
As the price of gas and electricity continues to soar. What more can be done to keep our bills in check?
New pensioners who have turned 66 this year are facing long delays before their pension is paid as the queue of those waiting doubles.
And as theft from customers bank accounts rises 80% in six months, should the Government declare fraud a threat to national security?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Do you have a question about saving and investing for children? Whether you’re interested in easy access, regular savings accounts or thinking of stocks and shares, our panel will be ready to help on Wednesday’s Money Box Live.
Whatever your question, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you’d like to take part in the programme.
Joining presenter Charmaine Cozier are:
• Chartered Financial Planner Claire Walsh • Rachel Springall from financial comparison site Moneyfacts
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Four energy companies go bust in a fortnight. Gas and electricity prices set to rise by 12% for millions of customers. And there are warnings of energy shortages this winter. What can consumers do to protect themselves?
There has been a rapid growth in the number of young people who appear to be laundering money through their bank accounts for criminals.
And a bank offering special deals for students turns down one eighteen year old because her credit score is only ‘good’.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Anita Langary Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Series producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Many workers send a share of their wages abroad to support loved ones financially, a responsibility they may or may not be able to shoulder.
In this episode Joice Etutu explores the aspirations of those supporting family overseas plus the emotions, pressures and difficult questions that arise. What is the right amount of money to send, how do you choose between competing requests, what personal sacrifices do you make and where do you draw the line or say no?
We’d love to hear your personal stories, views and experiences so please get in touch if you’d like to take part, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or Tweet @moneybox
Presenter: Joice Etutu Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Thieves are going after the millions of pounds being handed over to people reaching the age of 18 from their Government-sponsored Child Trust Funds. Why are there not more effective, targeted fraud warnings?
The unemployment rate among young black people during the pandemic was more than three times higher than the rate for white people of the same age. This week the Government was grilled over what's been described as a 'shocking inequality'.
And mortgage interest rates hit record lows with more than 120 offers below 1% but only those with equity or savings already can get them.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
As students across the UK set off for university, we’re taking a look at the big student money dilemmas. E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk with your experiences, ideas and questions now.
From student loans to bank accounts, scholarships and finding a job. Felicity Hannah and guests will be ready with help and advice about paying your way through university.
Joining Felicity are:
Tom Allingham, Save The Student. Pamela Lockhart, Student Money Adviser, Dundee University. Rachel Springall, Moneyfacts Comparison Site.
We’d love to hear from you too, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk with your experiences and questions and please include a phone number if you’d like to join the conversation on Wednesday 8 September at 3pm.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box hears from the successful businessman who had half a million pounds stolen in three months through a Bitcoin fraud. He wants to warn people that "if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone" Plus we speak to cyber security expert Lisa Forte about how to help protect yourself when investing in cryptocurrency.
Buy Now, Debt Later - how spreading the cost of buying could lead to being chased by debt collectors. A report by Citizens Advice says 10% of BNPL users end up being chased by debt collectors.
And the Teacher’s Pension Scheme demands thousands of pounds back from a pensioner on benefits even though its error led to her being overpaid.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Covid has been an economic crisis as well as a health emergency.
In this four-part series Felicity Hannah meets families, businesses & local councils whose lives and fortunes have been changed completely by the pandemic.
This week, in the final programme, she chairs a discussion looking at what Covid will cost the nation’s economy with panellists Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist, Institute for Government, Lord Jim O’Neill, former Conservative Treasury minister & John Gathergood, Professor of Economics at Nottingham University.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Alex Lewis Studio Engineer James Beard
Covid has been an economic crisis as well as a health emergency.
In a new four-part series Felicity Hannah meets families, businesses & local councils whose lives and fortunes have been changed completely by the pandemic.
This week, she meets the leaders of three local councils – Wirral, Lancashire and Newcastle - to find out what Covid has done to their budgets and how that will hit their communities. We hear how some councils saved money because families were too scared to send elderly relatives into care homes, while most faced huge extra costs and have struggled to recoup income lost through local lockdowns. How will they cope as they face a £3 billion funding gap over the next few years?
Producer Helen Grady Researcher Louise Byrne Editor Alex Lewis
Covid has been an economic crisis as well as a health emergency.
In a new four-part series Felicity Hannah meets households, businesses & local councils whose lives have been changed completely. Who are the winners and the losers of the pandemic?
This week she travels to Manchester to meet three very different businesses who have experienced the financial highs and lows of the Covid crisis. From a small booming online enterprise to an iconic music venue which saw sales disappear overnight and a large construction company which, despite having to cut jobs, has carried on building.
Producer Smita Patel Researcher Louise Byrne Editor Alex Lewis
Covid has been an economic crisis as well as a health emergency.
In a new four-part series Felicity Hannah meets households, businesses and local councils whose lives have been changed completely. Who are the the winners and the losers of the pandemic?
This week she travels to Stoke on Trent to meet two households who have experienced the financial highs and lows of the Covid crisis - Katie, a self employed piano teacher and a single mum of four, and Tyler, in his early twenties, who lives at home with his parents. Both have had their lives transformed due to money matters.
Producer Smita Patel Researcher Louise Byrne Editor Alex Lewis
How does timeshare holiday ownership work and what should you find out before signing up?
On Wednesday’s Money Box Live Louise Cooper and guests look at the costs and considerations of timeshare holidays.
We’d love to hear from you too. If you’re thinking of becoming a timeshare owner send us your questions and if you’ve already got one please share your wisdom! e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
On the panel:
Laura Johnston, Adviser, UK International Consumer Centre Paul Gardner Bougaard, Chief Exec, Resort Development Organisation
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Alex Lewis
A new plan has been brokered to cut down on aggressive debt collection by bailiffs. Will it work amidst fears of a post-pandemic surge in debt problems?
Tesco and M&S are both closing all the personal currents accounts they operate. What does this say about the role of supermarkets as financial institutions, and what should you do if you’re affected?
Digital current account provider Pockit says it’s had to freeze around 1,000 accounts due to suspicious activity reports. A number of those customers say they are taking legal action to get access to their cash.
And how can a pension fund you have paid into disappear as charges erode its value.?
GUESTS: Joe Shalam - head of the Financial Inclusion Policy Unit at the Centre for Social Justice Peter Hahn - Emeritus professor at the London Institute of Banking & Finance Helen Saxon – banking editor at MoneySavingExpert Gina Miller – founder of the True and Fair Campaign
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researcher: Sowda Ali Producer: Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
How can our workplaces become an inclusive and fair environment for employees with a disability? If you’ve an idea or experience about job hunting, career support or staff retention e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now, whether you’re an employer or an employee, we’d love to hear from you.
On the panel with presenter Charmaine Cozier are:
• Liz Johnson, Co-Founder, The Ability People • Martin Sigsworth, Employment Manager. Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) • Angela Matthews, Head of Policy and Research, Business Disability Forum
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Alex Lewis
Thousands of people say they’ve been shut out of their bank accounts without warning or explanation. MPs are investigating whether innocent customers have been caught up in a crackdown on money laundering.
For the first time in 25 years the one-off payment given to adult prison leavers in England and Wales is to be raised. The Prison Discharge Grant will increase from £46 to £76, but what difference will that make?
Last year 155,000 people shared an extra £16m in pay after that HMRC ensured they were getting minimum wage. Plus the latest clampdown on debt packager or IVA lead generator firms
GUESTS: Nicki Stopford - chief operating officer for the online complaints service Resolver. Monique Williams - Head of Delivery at Switchback, a charity for male prison leavers Clare Merrills - from HMRC Amy Taylor - Chair of the Greater Manchester Money Advice Group
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researcher: Stefania Okereke Producer: Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
What do you need to know about travel rights, money and insurance this summer?
Adam Shaw and guests answer your questions about the practicalities and costs of travelling this year. Are you considering a summer holiday? Have you rebooked a cancelled trip? How much is a PCR test, what does the travel traffic light system mean for your insurance and how do you get the best deal on your travel money?
e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now with your questions and stories. If you’ve just returned from a trip we’d love to hear how you got on.
On the panel are:
Rory Boland, Travel Editor, Which? Helen Saxon, Money Saving Expert Graeme Trudgill, British Insurance Brokers’ Association
More than 20,000 bereaved families can now claim financial support once restricted to married couples and civil partners. The payments worth up to £10,000 have been extended to cover all couples who lived together and claimed child benefit.
Eight years ago the government said it would introduce funding for university and higher education that is comparable with the principle of Islamic finance. So when will it happen?
And what should banks do to protect problem gamblers.
GUESTS: Omar Shaikh - Advisory Board Member UK Islamic Finance Council Professor Sharon Collard, Research Director at the Personal Finance research Centre at the University of Bristol Danny Cheetham - anti-gambling campaigner
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researcher: Stefania Okereke Producer: Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
There are almost 3m lone parent families in the UK and for many the pandemic has put increased pressure on already stretched family finances. The charity Gingerbread say that single parents are more likely to have lost jobs or experienced reduced hours and falling incomes.
If you’ve a question or a tip about supporting children when you separate, dealing with child maintenance payments and arrears or maximising your income, we’d love to hear from you.
Or if you’ve got some advice to share about free or low cost family activities for the summer we’re all ears, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk to join the conversation.
On the panel are:
• Ros Bever, Family Lawyer, Irwin Mitchell • Victoria Benson, CEO, Gingerbread • Phil Agulnik, Director of benefits checker entitledto
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Alex Lewis
When banks stop you spending your own money. Barclays and Santander have banned payments to one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges while TSB may soon stop payments to all exchanges.
Why tens of thousands of people could be eligible for significant refunds after the HMRC lost what could prove to be a landmark case concerning the way it deals with child benefit paid to high earners.
What will change when the Financial Conduct Authority takes over regulation of pre-paid funeral plans?
Using your money to make a difference – the impact that green or eco-friendly pensions can have on combating climate change.
And financial lessons for cub scouts, following the launch of their Money Skills Activity Badge.
GUESTS: Philippa Hann - specialist financial services litigator at Clarke Willmott solicitors Stefanie Tremain- Director at Blick Rothenburg Sheldon Mills - Executive Director for Consumers, FCA Tony Burdon – CEO Make My Money Matter Jeannie Boyle - Chartered Financial Planner and executive director of EQ Investors
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researcher: Stefania Okereke Producer: Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
What help and support is available to people with a business dream? How do you develop the skills you need to run your own business? We hear from some entrepreneurs about the experience of turning their ideas into reality.
To share your experiences and any questions e-mail: moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter Louise Cooper is joined by an expert panel:
• Lisa Wardlaw, College Delivery Manager, Young Enterprise Scotland • Julian Hall, founder, Ultra Education • Alison Edgar, The Entrepreneur's Godmother
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Diane Richardson Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Alex Lewis
Google is cracking down on financial-scam adverts in the UK, but will it work? Campaigner Mark Taber tells us what needs to be done to stem the millions of pounds lost to bogus investment schemes each year.
It was reported this week that the financial regulator has banned one of the biggest crypto currency exchanges from operating in the UK. Jannah Patchay, founder of Markets Evolution, and Jason Deane – a consultant for Luno, explain why those reports were wrong.
Park Christmas Savings, one of the UK’s most popular savings clubs says it will review its refund policy following a Money Box investigation.
And the push for Plain Numbers – why just a few small changes to the way financial information is displayed can dramatically increase customers’ understanding. Mike Ellicock explains the thinking behind his campaign.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researchers: Stefania Okereke and Anita Langary Producer: Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
Would you like to generate your electricity through a local, renewable energy project rather than buying it from a big supplier?
In this episode, Adam Shaw and guests consider the costs and practicalities of setting up and running community-led energy projects, do such initiatives make financial and environmental sense? Joining Adam are:
Jodie Giles, head of community and local energy at Regen Tanuja Pandit, director of Power Up North London Steve Shaw, the director of Power for People
If you've a story or view to share we’d love to hear from you, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producers: Diane Richardson and Paul Waters Editor: Alex Lewis
Should the government force banks to guarantee everyone access to cash?
Age UK warns that despite the rise of digital payments, millions of people still rely on cash and the charity says it should be seen as an essential service - like electricity, water, or the post.
Barclays bank is to repay millions of pounds to customers miss-sold loans to pay for a timeshare scheme in Malta, but hundreds of others say they should be getting their money back too.
The UK’s biggest insurance firm and a major housebuilder have agreed to refund customers who have overpaid for freeholds and ground rents. It’s a major breakthrough for some leaseholders but will the industry follow suit.
And one listener tells us his story of emerging from the black hole of debt.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this programme, you can find a list of support organisations at bbc.co.uk/actionline
GUESTS: Joel Lewis - Policy Manager Age UK Sian Williams - Director of Policy at the anti-poverty charity Toynbee Hall, Sebastian O’Kelly - Leasehold Knowledge Partnership
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researcher: Stefania Okereke Producer: Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
Arranging your wedding or civil partnership during Covid can be very tricky, especially as rules and restrictions change. But what are your rights if your plans are disrupted? Can you cancel and get a refund if your guest numbers are cut, you're told not to dance, or people - perhaps close family - are not able to attend because of changes to rules? Should you expect to be able to postpone without penalty? Can venues hang on to part of what you've paid up front? Is there any point in getting wedding insurance?
Our panel of experts can advise: Pran Bhanot, litigation solicitor and wedding specialist at Meaby & Co. Jemma Cox, Lead Officer for Civil Law at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. Wedding planner Jessie Westwood of Studio Sorores, who is also part of the #WhatAboutWeddings campaign.
We also hear from Hamish Shephard of the BrideBook app and our listeners' experiences.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Paul Waters Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Alex Lewis
Thousands of people are struggling to complete the purchase of their new home before a big rise in Stamp Duty begins on the first of July in most of the UK.
High street banks are told they are wrongly denying compensation to victims of fraud and they’ve been given a timetable to change their procedures.
And grieving families could be paying hundreds of pounds too much for a funeral because firms do not display their prices clearly.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Researcher: Stefania Okereke Producer: Helen Grady Editor: Alex Lewis
Low interest rates on savings has made many people consider putting money built up during the pandemic into stocks and shares in the hope of higher returns. But what do you need to know BEFORE you make that first trade?
We explore the risks, how to navigate the jargon and - most importantly - whether this type of investment is really for you.
Do you have an experience you'd like to share? Email us: moneybox@bbc.co.uk.
Expert panel: - Susannah Streeter, Senior investment and markets analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown - David Stevenson author of “Investing in shares for dummies” and Adventurous Investor column, Financial Times
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Rumella Dasgupta Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Alex Lewis
Bitcoin or Britcoin? The Bank of England has published the results of its consultation on creating a new central bank digital currency – and also the prospect of regulating other commercial digital currencies – so-called “safecoin”. We hear from the Bank’s deputy governor, Sir Jon Cunliffe and from cryptocurrency expert Kate Baucherel.
Four years after the Grenfell Tower fire in which 72 people died, leaseholders living in tower blocks affected by the cladding crisis have started receiving and paying bills, sometimes for tens of thousands of pounds. The money is to pay for work to make the buildings safe. For homes in buildings under 18 metres high, which don’t qualify for a share of a £5 billion government fund, the bills can be huge. In February, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said there would be a loan scheme to help those people pay, and that it would be capped at £50 a month. But so far there’s no sign of the loans, nor much indication of when they might appear. We hear from a leaseholder facing payment demands now. And solicitor Liam Spender, of the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, tells us what the options are for those affected.
It’s about to get easier for people with problem debt to freeze their repayments and even write off what they owe. The rules on Debt Relief Orders are changing in England and Wales at the end of this month, and will increase the number of people eligible to apply. Sam Nurse, director of the Money Advice Hub, explains the details.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Stefania Okereke
Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in England Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland are now open for indoor business. But there’s growing concern about the numbers of vacancies across the hospitality sector. According to trade body UK Hospitality there is a shortfall of almost 200,000 workers.
If you run a hospitality business, how difficult are you finding it to get staff? Are you a worker who’s left the sector to look for employment elsewhere? Let us know your experience: moneybox@bbc.co.uk
In recent years the hospitality industry has seen a massive growth as more and more of our disposable income has been spent eating out. Could these staffing problems bring this trend to an abrupt end? With many hospitality businesses struggling during the pandemic - despite government support -staff have had to be laid off. Continuing lockdown uncertainty also hasn’t helped.
Expert panel: Kate Nicholls - CEO at trade body UK Hospitality Gerwyn Davies - Senior Labour Market adviser at Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Presenter: Louise Cooper Researcher: Anita Langary Producer: Rumella Dasgupta Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Alex Lewis
Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland explains why she, along with the Commissioners for Scotland and Northern Ireland, want the DWP to drop a Universal Credit entitlement rule introduced by the coalition government in 2017. It only provides support for a maximum of two children with a few specific exceptions.
Money Box reporter Joice Etutu hears from some of the thousands of people who have received random cheques from HSBC Banking Group. Amounts vary from tens to thousands of pounds. They’re still also being sent out to the group’s M&S Bank, first direct and John Lewis Finance customers who had arrears on loans between 2010 and 2019. Many thought it was a scam, but it’s not.
EU citizens who want to continue living in the UK are in danger of missing a crucial deadline which could see them lose access to benefits and the right to work. June the 30th is the last date to apply for the EU settlement scheme which allows people to retain their legal status post Brexit. However there’s concern many won’t realise they have to do it. Guest: Kate Smart, Chief Executive of the charity Settled.
The ban on bailiff-enforced evictions in England was an emergency measure to protect renters in arrears related to the pandemic. It ended this week so where does that leave renters who are still having money problems and what other changes might be on the way for them - and their landlords? Meera Chindooroy, Deputy Director of Campaigns, Public Affairs & Policy for the National Residential Landords Association and Chris Wood Assistant Director of Policy at Shelter discuss.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Joice Etutu Researcher: Stefania Okereke Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Alex Lewis
What are you rights when making a complaint? How do you make sure you escalate your grievance to the right person? What difference can social media make in getting your grumble seen and sorted?
Adam Shaw is joined by Martyn James from Resolver, a free, independent issue resolution service. and Alicia Alinia , Managing Director, Consumer Legal Services at the law firm, Slater & Gordon.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Alex Lewis
A Money Box listener has been refused work by two employers because he was unable to provide his National Insurance Number despite the Department for Work and Pensions saying individuals can start work without one. Last year we reported that people coming to the UK with the right to work weren’t able to obtain a National Insurance Number because the government had stopped issuing them. People can now apply - but that process takes up to 16 weeks and trying to get work in the meantime can be tough. Paul Lewis talks to Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
National Savings & Investments apologises to more than 14,000 customers after it changed the terms and conditions on a savings product without telling them. We hear from Gary Rycroft, a partner at Joseph A Jones solicitors.
The regulator clamps down on insurance firms who cut prices for new customers while quietly increasing them for loyal ones. Michael Sicsic, managing director of financial services consultancy Sicsic Advisory, and a former head of supervision for general insurance at the FCA explains all.
And this week a judge rejected a 'scheme of arrangement' offer by Amigo Loans Limited to missold customers. What happens now? Paul talks to Sara Williams, founder of the debt advice website Debt Camel.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Sowda Ali Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Alex Lewis
Apprenticeships allow you to earn money as you study for qualifications and gain practical experience on the job.
There's a wide range of careers and industries to choose from but a recent Ofsted report said that 10% of apprenticeships are inadequate, so how do you find a good quality scheme to help you develop the skills you need to succeed?
On Wednesday's programme Adam Shaw speaks to apprentices and employers about their experiences and ambitions and we'd love to hear from you too.
If you're interested in becoming an apprentice or you're an employer who'd like to hire apprentices e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
One in four of us is considering buying an electric car, according to the energy regulator Ofgem. So, what are the finances of going electric? They often cost more to buy but the claim is that they can be cheaper to run. Adam Shaw and guests discuss the cost of buying, insuring, charging an electric vehicle and the tax breaks you get if you buy or lease an electric car through a business?
Adam is joined by Ginny Buckley, founder of electrifying.com, an electric car advice site & Hayley Jay, business specialist sales, from the car dealership Furrows. And we hear from listeners about their views on electric vehicles.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Alex Lewis
Financial firms are being told they will be forced to treat their customers better under plans by the regulator for a new “Consumer Duty”. It will set down a higher level of consumer protection that firms will have to follow. The consultation on the plans has just been published and the new rules should be in force by the middle of next year. Paul Lewis talks to Nisha Arora, Director of Consumer and Retail Policy at the Financial Conduct Authority.
Money Box continues to get complaints from customers who have current accounts with the online firm Pockit. They tell us that the money in their accounts - often thousands of pounds - has been frozen, sometimes for months. Virraj Jatania, Pockit’s founder and Chief Executive, provides some answers.
Every month millions of people in the UK use the social media platform TikTok. It specialises in short videos normally made by individuals on their mobile phone and edited to music. The videos cover everything from comedy to dance to money. But we hear about concerns that these videos encourage young people to get into bad money habits.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Sowda Ali Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Alex Lewis
Buying a house with a mortgage is one of the biggest commitments we make in life.
The pandemic has seen households managing lower, unpredictable incomes with furlough and government grants on offer. What effect has that had on lenders and their decisions to approve or decline applications? If you’re trying to get one or switch to a better deal - how are you finding it? What new mortgage products are banks and building societies now offering borrowers?
Charmaine Cozier is joined by: Runouska Dass, Independent mortgage broker Keith Barber, Director of Business Development, the Family Building Society
Producer Smita Patel Editor Alex Lewis
Many people on Disability Living Allowance are rejected when they are assessed for the newer benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Paul Lewis hears about some of the experiences of claiming PIP and discusses with Daphne Hall, vice chair of the National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers and Dr Jim McCormick, chair of the Disability and Carers Benefits Advisory Group.
More than 100,000 couples in the UK divorce each year — around 40% of marriages. It is over 20 years since divorcing couples could bring the value of pensions into the pot when they share their assets. But only one out of every eight cases take pensions into account as part of the financial settlement. So why is pension sharing at divorce forgotten in so many cases? Paul Lewis speaks to Jo Edwards, head of Family Law at Forsters.
Up to a quarter of a million people over the age of 70 get no state pension - but around half of them could. Former pensions minister Steve Webb explains all.
It’s nearly three months since we first reported that people were suffering weeks of delays when they try to access their pension funds invested with Prudential. Since then those weeks of delays have turned into months… and still the problems continue. Dan Whitworth investigates.
Researcher: Anita Langary Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Alex Lewis
Last year families spent nearly £7 billion on their furry friends. Pet ownership has soared and so has the number of services on offer for the modern-day pooch.
Felicity Hannah and guests discuss the rising costs of buying a pet, keeping it well & safe, whether to insure it and the demand to cater for all their needs from luxury food to care day.
Producer Smita Patel Editor Alex Lewis
Mortgage providers are refusing to follow new guidance intended to help hundreds of thousands of people who are unable to sell or re-mortgage their flats because of the cladding crisis. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, RICS, issued the guidance to its members across the UK just two months ago. But Money Box has learned that despite being involved in preparing the guidance, many lenders aren’t following it - leaving people struggling to sell because buyers can’t borrow the money they need.
Welfare benefits expert, Anna Stevenson from Turn2us outlines how people on Universal Credit will be able to get cheap broadband and some free calls from June 1st and discusses other discounts on utilities for people on benefits.
National Savings & Investments does not use two factor authentication when you log on to your account. Is that a security risk? Paul Lewis talks to Adenike Cosgrove, a cyber security strategist at Proofpoint.
And nearly two million workers who do more than one part-time jobs are excluded from being automatically enrolled into a works pension - but many are not aware they can join anyway. Pete Glancy, Head of Pensions Policy, at Scottish Widows explains the rules.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sowda Ali Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Alex Lewis
The Covid-19 pandemic has placed a huge amount of pressure on banks and customers alike. How have you - and your bank or building society - adapted? Felicity Hannah and guests explore how the Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we manage our money and whether those changes are here to stay.
E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk with your personal banking stories, questions and experiences.
Have you changed your banking habits? Has your access to support, products or services altered? What is your bank or building society doing well and what could be done better?
Joining Felicity are: - Julie Ann Haines, CEO Principality Building Society - Alex Neill, CEO of Resolver complaints website - James Daley, consumer campaigner and founder of Fairer Finance
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Smita Patel and Diane Richardson Editor: Alex Lewis
9 in 10 of us use direct debits to pay some or all of our regular bills. 4.5 billion payments were processed in the UK in 2019. It’s a simple way to pay - you sign a mandate with a business or organisation and they take agreed amounts on a specified date. They come with a guarantee which protects you if payments are taken mistakenly. Or at least that’s what a Money Box listener thought when a payment for his gym membership went wrong.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have soared in value beyond any other asset. Ten years ago one Bitcoin was worth one US dollar - today one is worth 53,000 US dollars - nearly £42,000 pounds. One big concern with buying, storing, or selling cryptocurrencies is how secure it is. Paul Lewis talks to an investor who discovered £11,000 had gone missing from his account, as well as cryptocurreny expert Kate Boucherel.
Last week the High Court ruled that high cost lender Provident could move forward with a scheme to pay redress to customers to whom it had mis-sold loans. Provident has said that it can't afford to pay customers with valid claims the full amount of compensation they should receive - despite other parts of its business being very successful. Paul talks to Sara Williams, founder of the debt advisor website Debt Camel.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Sowda Ali Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Alex Lewis
The regulator Ofcom tells Money Box people shouldn’t trust Caller ID. It says the spoofing of numbers can be stopped, but to do so will take years. Spoofing has been used by fraudsters to convince thousands of people they are being called by banks or HMRC and trick them into handing over tens of thousands of pounds.
It's more than two years since the collapse of London Capital and Finance where investors lost £237m. This week the government announced a new scheme in which almost 9,000 people will get some of their money back.
Why do many banks charge 39% interest on overdrafts but pay less than 1% on savings? Listener Edwyn describes the difference as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘scandalous.’ Paul talks to Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
And what happens to your pension if you die before drawing it? Romi Savova from PensionBee explains.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sowda Ali Producers: Ben Carter and Joe Kent Editor: Alex Lewis
Have you been tempted by a quick cash win, a jackpot prize or the challenge of finding a winning betting strategy?
There are many forms of gambling available online and in person to engage and entertain us but when does a gambling hobby become a personal and financial problem?
On Wednesday's Money Box Live Charmaine Cozier and guests explore the enticements that lure you in, lead to compulsion and where to get help. What are the symptoms of problem gambling and the steps to recovery? Joining Charmaine are:
Anna Hemmings, CEO of Gamcare Matt Gaskell, Clinical Lead at The NHS Northern Gambling Service
If you’ve a question or an experience you’d like to share e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Alex Lewis
The Loan Charge All-Party Parliamentary Group has called on the Government to take urgent action to address the exploitation of some contractors, in a new report. MPs are also demanding a government-backed independent review into how the contracting market operates, to ensure contractors are paid and taxed fairly for the work they do. Paul talks to an IT project manager who barely avoided bankruptcy after an unexpected six-figure tax bill and Ruth Cadbury, co-chair of the Loan Charge APPG Group.
How do banks protect vulnerable customers and protect their money from criminals? We hear one victim’s story about how she had tens of thousands of pounds stolen not once, but twice and how her bank failed to keep her money safe. Paul talks to Tamlyn Edmonds, specialist fraud prosecutor with Edmonds, Marshall, McMahon.
A pilot scheme with a new approach to improve support for people with health and financial problems is being launched in Lambeth and Southwark in South London. If it's successful there are hopes it will be rolled out nationally. Paul talks to two of the people involved - Damon Gibbons, Executive Director of the Centre for Responsible Credit and Gay Palmer, a nurse and social prescriber.
And in our podcast available from 2pm on Saturday you'll be able to listen to Anna Bowes from Savings Champion talking with Money Box listener Elettra about how to find the right savings account in a market with hundreds of different options.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Sowda Ali Reporter: Dan Whitworth Production co-ordinator: Sacha Cowlam Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Alex Lewis
Working from home is changing the way we think about where we base our life and careers, but how remote can we be from our business or office?
Can you live and work hundreds of miles away from your employer and what could that mean for your personal life and finances or for the company you work for?
Whether you’re an employee or an employer we’d love to hear from you, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now with your thoughts, questions and experiences.
Joining the conversation with presenter Felicity Hannah at 3pm on Wednesday 14 April are Neil Carberry, CEO at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and Jodie Hill, Director at employment law firm Thrive Law.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
More than 200 pensioners responded to a request to tell us how much their state pension was. They were nearly all different amounts. Next week the basic pension is rising to £137.60 a week and the new state pension paid to younger pensioners to £179.60. But those are amounts that hardly anyone actually gets. So why are pensions - the old and the new - so complicated?
Who better to answer that than two former pensions ministers. Sir Steve Webb had that job throughout the years of the coalition government and Baroness Ros Altmann for just over a year under David Cameron.
Pockit is not a bank. But it does offer what it calls a current account. In fact that is a pre-paid card which customers load money onto and then can spend it almost as if it was a bank account. But some users have told Moneybox that their accounts have been locked and they they have struggled to get through to Pockit to find out what's going on. Paul talks to Martyn James, consumer rights expert at Resolver.
It is now more than 90 days since the UK left the ambit of the EU at the end of the transition period. And more than one million UK people living in EU countries must adapt to the laws that apply to foreign residents. And if you have thought that maybe one day you would like to go to work or retire to an EU country what are the rules you will now have to follow? This week we look at Spain which is home to more people from the UK than any other EU country. Barry Davys is a partner in Spectrum International Financial Adviser group based in Catalunya.
Researcher: Sowda Ali Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Richard Vadon
There’s been a rise in the number of divorces according to the Office for National Statistics along with predictions that even more couples will split as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Many law firms are reporting huge spikes in the number of separations during the pandemic.
Plans for new “no fault” divorce rules are due to come in in the next few months and will abolish the need to blame one of the parties when pursuing a divorce.
But what happens to the finances during all of this? What if a couple weren’t married or owned some assets before the marriage?
Presenter Louise Cooper will be joined by:
Rhona Adams, partner at Morton Fraser and head of the family law team Claire Gordon, family law partner at Farrer & Co Michael Royce, senior policy and propositions manager at the Money and Pensions Service
E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @Moneybox now with your thoughts, questions and experiences.
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Richard Vadon
Fancy earning interest on a £10,000 loan? We’ll find out about what negative interest rates mean for consumers in Denmark and what might happen if they were introduced here. Felicity Hannah talks to Niels Arne Dam, Chief Economist at Finance Denmark and Paul Pester, former CEO of TSB and currently the chair of research and ratings agency Fairer Finance.
Women’s finances have been hit harder than men’s by the Covid crisis, so could that risk a widening wealth gap and how do we fix it? Maike Currie, investment director at Fidelity Investments and Professor Annamaria Lusardi, head of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center at The George Washington University School of Business have some ideas.
And, if you’re eating too much chocolate this weekend then you’re not alone! But can that tell us anything about how you plan your pension, your investments, your savings? Or does it just mean you like chocolate? Felicity talks to Dr Pragya Agarwal, a behavioural data scientist and Claire Walsh, a chartered financial planner.
Researcher: Jonelle Awomoyi Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
All too often we hear about fraudsters using the phone to trick victims into handing over thousands or tens of thousands of pounds and destroying lives in the process. But how often to we get to hear an actual recording of these criminals in action? We play a recording of a fraud call in progress because a criminal made the terrible mistake of calling our Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth. Paul Lewis talks to Graeme Biggar, Director General of National Economic Crime Centre for the National Crime Agency and MP Steve Baker, who's a member of the Treasury Select Committee.
The Government plans to put more regulations in place to address the widespread concerns about the poor practice and behaviour of private car parking operators. A new code of practice will be drawn up, with the system being introduced by the middle of next year. Paul talks to Steve Clark, Director of Operations and Business Development, British Parking Association.
The FCA says it has no current plans to take further regulatory action against a compensation scheme set up by the guarantor loans lender Amigo - despite admitting the scheme might not be compatible with its current rules. Sara Williams, founder of the debt advice website Debt Camel, talks us through the latest developments.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Jonelle Awomoyi Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
A recent report by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that the coronavirus pandemic has driven more people into financial vulnerability. More adults in the UK have fallen into debt or have little capacity to ride out financial shocks, the FCA said.
While furlough, other support grants and the Universal Credit uplift have helped many people avoid money problems, concerns are growing over the financial damage from multiple lockdowns, job losses, lower earnings and redundancies.
How are people coping with debt during the pandemic and what support is available?
Joining presenter Louise Cooper on the panel:
Helen Undy, chief executive, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Richard Lane, head of external affairs, Stepchange Colin Mathieson, from Advice Direct Scotland
If you have a question about debt, please get in touch. E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @MoneyBox.
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones
The government responds to Money Box’s revelation that developers are asking customers to sign non-disclosure agreements as a condition of getting problems with their new build homes fixed. We also hear from listeners asked to keep quiet - despite the denials of developers about the practice. A change in the law next month means there could be a huge rise in the number of contractors working through unregulated umbrella companies - and some of those companies are accused of withholding holiday pay and even pension payments. And thousands of those who tried to claim universal credit in the pandemic have been rejected because they live with a partner who earns too much.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporters: Dan Whitworth & Hannah Price Researcher: Sowda Ali Producer: Simon Maybin Editor: Rosamund Jones
There’s no doubt that the pandemic has changed the way we live. But what impact has a year of lockdowns and restrictions had on shopkeepers and shoppers? Has the last year broken the mould for retail?
Many essential shops have been successful during the pandemic with some in suburban or rural areas doing more trade as many people work from home.
As covid restrictions finally ease, will our shopping habits have changed permanently?
Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by:
Kate Ancketill, founder and CEO, GDR Creative Catherine Erdly, founder of the Resilient Retail Club and advisor at Enterprise Nation Bill Grimsey, author of the Grimsey Review.
If you have a question about shopping, city centres or the high street then please get in touch. E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @MoneyBox.
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones
A senior MP tells Money Box it’s “appalling” that house developers are asking some customers to sign non-disclosure agreements as a condition of fixing serious defects with new homes. A new report this week claims there are still around 250,000 mortgage “prisoners” - people trapped on high-interest mortgages. And what to do if something goes wrong when you try to buy goods and services on Instagram.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jonelle Awomoyi Researcher: Sowda Ali Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Simon Maybin Editor: Rosamund Jones
More people are trying their hand at trading and investing using online platforms. Much of the trend is driven by trading apps, with a rise in the number of people signing up since the coronavirus pandemic hit last year.
Investors can buy shares in companies and investment funds and keep track of them on their phones. Many of the apps say their services are free to use and commission-free, so how do they make money?
Why have trading apps grown so quickly and what are the risks and benefits of investing this way?
Presenter Charmaine Cozier is joined by:
Martin Bamford, chartered financial planner and head of client education at Informed Choice and
Ryan King, founder of Making Money Simple.
If you're thinking about investing using an app or would like to share your experience, then please get in touch. E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @MoneyBox.
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones
Earlier this week the Government announced that economic abuse will be a criminal offence under the Domestic Abuse Bill. The law previously only recognised abuse that took place within a relationship, not after separation. We hear one survivor's shocking tale - she was left with nearly half a million pounds of debt - and hear her reaction to the law change. Paul Lewis talks to barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman.
On Wednesday the DWP revealed that 200,000 women could be in line for payouts averaging £13,500 to compensate them for the underpayment of their state pensions going back decades. The DWP estimate the bill to be about £2.7bn. Paul talks to Sir Steve Webb, former Pensions Minister and current partner at Lane Clarke & Peacock who explains why some pensioners lost out and who is likely to benefit now.
The calculator Steve Webb mentions during the interview is available here - https://www.lcp.uk.com/is-your-state-pension-being-underpaid/
In the Budget the Chancellor confirmed that newly self-employed people who completed a tax return for 2019 to 2020 are now eligible for financial help. The group, which includes more than 600,000 people who became self-employed last year, were unable to access the first three instalments but they can now apply for the fourth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant. Paul talks through the changes with Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy at IPSE.
NatWest has become the latest high street bank/building society to launch a lottery-style savings account. With interest rates so low, is this the future? Rachel Springall, finance expert at moneyfacts.co.uk, explains
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sowda Ali and Jonelle Awomoyi Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
Paul Lewis is joined by a panel of experts to discuss how the Budget might affect your finances.
Panelists:
Anita Monteith – Tax manager at Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and Wales Heather Self - partner, Blick Rothenberg Accountants Tina Riches – volunteer, Tax Aid Gareth Morgan - chief executive, Ferret
You can also e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox.
Nearly a million carers will get an increase of just 35p a week from April. 939,000 people receive a benefit called Carer’s Allowance — currently £67.25 a week — for looking after another person who is severely disabled. In order to qualify people must provide for at least 35 hours a week - though most will spend considerably more time caring than that. The April rise amounts to just 1p extra per hour. This increase is in line with the rate of inflation the previous September when inflation was just half of one percent. Paul Lewis talks to the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, and Gareth Howells, Chief Executive of the charity, Carers Trust.
After last week’s item about one family’s 20 hour wait to tell HSBC about a push payment fraud which cost listener Richard £8500, Money Box asked for your experiences getting help from your bank when a theft happens. Hundreds of you were in touch. Dan Whitworth reports on what you told him and Paul talks to Tom Keatinge who is Director of the Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies at Royal United Services Institute.
One of Britain’s largest insurers has admitted long delays following instructions from customers to access their pension savings when they retire. Money Box received several complaints about the weeks and weeks it is taking for customers to get hold of their own money. Paul talks to Romi Savova, Chief Executive of Pension Bee.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sowda Ali and Jonelle Awomoyi Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
Who will take care of your affairs if you can't and how do you go about giving someone the right to manage your money?
It can be a big step for everyone involved but setting up a power of attorney is one way to allow someone to control your money and personal needs. One or more people can help with dealing with your bank, paying your bills, and arranging care.
But what if an individual doesn't have the mental capacity to grant power of attorney and what can you do if you're concerned that a relative's finances aren’t being managed responsibly?
Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by:
Sandra McDonald, former public guardian for Scotland Melinda Giles, partner at Giles Wilson Solicitors Sarah Murphy, associate director for advice, information & training at ReThink
We’d love to hear from you if you’re thinking about letting someone else manage your money or if you’d like to share your experience as an attorney. Please get in touch: moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @MoneyBox.
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones
The impact long delays have when customers repeatedly call their bank's fraud line. Money Box hears about wait times of hours and hours. Paul Lewis explores why consumers are being asked to pay additional costs on online goods they have bought from overseas and why students are fighting not to pay for rooms they don't use during lockdown. In the podcast he also interviews the head of The Business Banking Resolution Service, which began operating this week. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sowda Ali and Jonelle Awomoyi Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
Almost half a million UK households are facing rent arrears according to a report from the Resolution Foundation published this week. That's in large part the result of people losing their jobs or losing pay during the pandemic. The eviction ban, which had been due to expire, has now been been extended. Louise Cooper and her panel of guests consider the impact that the end of the ban will eventually have on the rental market. They will also consider the size and severity of the property maintenance backlog that has built up over the past year and answer other questions from tenants and landlords.
Contributors: Sara Stephens, partner Anthony Gold Solicitors John Stewart, deputy director policy and research National Residential Landlords Association Ruth Ehrlich, policy manager Shelter
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones
Data processing and other mistakes led to huge financial costs for one Money Box listener whose credit rating went into freefall. Paul Lewis hears what went wrong and asks how similar problems might be avoided in the future. Also, unmarried parents still not being bereavement benefits to which the High Court has said they are entitled and Money Box reporter Lauren Moore looks into your refund rights on sale items. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Lauren Moore Researchers: Sowda Ali and Jonelle Awomoyi Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
Working from home has become more commonplace since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
With changes to the world of work, are you allowed to pack up your home office and work remotely in another country? Where should you pay tax? What about your employment rights? Has Brexit changed anything?
Charmaine Cozier and guests look at the implications you might face if you’re working outside the UK.
We'd love to hear your questions and experience. E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones
Electricity and gas bills will rise in April by an average £96 a year - an increase of 9 per cent at a time when inflation is less than 1 per cent. Ellen Fraser, energy specialist at Baringa Partners explains why.
Static caravan owners are paying £5000 a year or more in holiday park fees. But they have been unable to visit them during the lockdowns and say that they have been denied refunds on their annual bills. Paul Lewis talks to Gary Rycroft, a partner with solicitors Joseph A Jones and Ros Pritchard, Director General of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.
Barclays bank is refusing to refund the costs incurred by a listener after it wrongly told her it had not sold her a payment protection insurance policy (PPI). We hear from Alex Neil, Chief Executive of the consumer complaints website, Resolver.
And Paul asks if firms that sell solutions to people in debt are more concerned about generating fee income than helping their customers. Sara Williams, who founded the debt advice website Debt Camel, talks through the issues.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Darin Graham and Sowda Ali Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
How do you recognise and bring an end to financial abuse? Maybe you’ve spotted that a relative is no longer eating properly, heating their home, or that money and jewellery has gone missing.
Or perhaps somebody close to you is taking money, trying to take control of your bank account or even suggesting you should change your will.
How do you tackle such difficult personal issues and suspicions?
Paul Lewis and guest will be here to answer your questions about protecting yourself or a loved one from financial abuse on Wednesday’s Money Box Live. Joining Paul will be:
Veronica Grey, Elder Abuse Charity, Hourglass Gary Rycroft, Solicitor & Partner, Joseph A Jones & Co Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland
E-mail your experiences and questions about financial abuse to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Fraudsters and scammers are always finding new ways to part you from your money, pressurising you to make a hasty decision or tricking you into sharing personal information.
Fake investment firms took around £78m from UK consumers last year according to fraud reporting centre Action Fraud and now warnings are being given about Covid-19 vaccine scams.
On Wednesday's programme Adam Shaw and guests will look at how to spot financial fraud and what to do if you've been taken in by these convincing criminals.
We'd love to hear your questions and experience so e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is being taken to court by mothers who claim the self-employed income support scheme discriminates against them. That's because they took maternity leave during the period their profits were assessed. The government currently calculates how much a self-employed person should receive in their grant, which covers lost profits during the pandemic, by looking at a three year average. And the maternity discrimination charity, Pregnant then Screwed, claims this disadvantages mothers whose average profits were hit because of time taken out from work. Paul Lewis talks to one of the mothers affected and speaks to Anna Dews from solicitors Leigh Day.
A record one billion pounds will be spent next year on compensating customers of financial miss-selling by firms that have gone out of business, according to a forecast in The Financial Services Compensation Scheme Plan and Budget for 2021/22. The cost is more than a third higher than was paid out this year and that was over a third higher than last year’s total. It has just about doubled over three years. What's going on? Paul Lewis talks to FSCS Chief Executive, Caroline Rainbird.
Nearly two months after Money Box first reported that the DWP was wrongly telling thousands of people that they owed it hundreds of pounds, Money Box continues to hear from listeners who say it is still going on. The Government told Money Box before Christmas that it had sorted the problem out. But Dan Whitworth talks to one woman who lost £1400 in December.
The self assessment tax deadline has been extended to 28 February, so if you file after the original deadline of 31 January , the £100 penalty can be avoided. But the tax does still needs to be paid by the end of this month, not February. Confused? Don't worry because Heather Self, tax partner at Blick Rothenberg explains all.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Ben Carter Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Darin Graham and Sowda Ali Editor: Rosamund Jones
Stay at home is the current advice but travel companies are reporting a surge in holiday bookings from those hoping for adventure later this year.
Others may have rebooked a trip which was cancelled last summer but be uncertain about whether they can or should go. What happens if your trip is cancelled again and what should you consider if you need or hope to travel safely when restrictions ease?
On Wednesday’s programme Adam Shaw and guests will answer your questions about travel rules, rights and refunds. e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
On the panel are:
Rory Boland, Travel Editor, Which? Jill Starley-Grainger, Editor, JetsetJourneys
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones
Tens of thousands of students are being denied access to student funding despite a Government pledge in 2013 to change things. The delay to an 'alternative' student finance scheme would enable thousands of Muslim students to fund their university education every year.
A damning report into how the Financial Conduct Authority has acted on pensions transfers. Many who've taken bad advice may have no recourse to compensation.
Money Box has learnt that since the pandemic started last year thousands of people have been refused Universal Credit because they have over £16k in savings. We hear from someone who claims this rule has put her home deposit back by 10 years.
In the podcast we are joined by Martin Lewis with an update on the fourth slice of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer/reporter: Alex Lewis Producers: Darin Graham and Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones
What could the new plans for leasehold reform mean for you? Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced what he calls the biggest reforms to English property law for 40 years, making it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold or extend their lease and introducing Commonhold tenure.
On Wednesday's programme Felicity Hannah and guests take a look at the new proposals and ask how the system works in Scotland, where leaseholds were abolished in 2004. On the panel:
Alan Cook, Partner, Pinsent Masons, Glasgow Sebastian O’Kelly, CEO, Leasehold Knowledge Partnership Dona Awano, Solicitor, Commonhold and Leasehold Experts Limited
We'd love to hear your questions and experiences so e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now to join the conversation.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones
If there is a hundred pounds or more credit on your electricity or gas account you can get it back. We tell you how to do it and explain what the situation is if the firm has gone bust.
Simon York is the man in charge of tackling fraud at Her Majesty’s Revenues & Customs. We find out how much of the furlough grants have been lost to criminals.
What happens to drivers whose car is parked on the street but can’t afford to get it taxed or MOT’d?
And the man who asked his insurer a question and the answer cost him £350.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Ben Carter Researcher: Sowda Ali Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Rosamund Jones
Bitcoin values again capture the headlines, some central banks are developing their own digital currencies and PayPal and Facebook are entering the market.
Digital currencies are evolving rapidly but what do you need to know before you consider buying, storing or selling cryptocurrencies?
On Wednesday’s Money Box Live, Louise Cooper and guests discuss the development and the risks of digital currencies and we'd love to hear your stories too. e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now with your questions and experiences.
On the panel:
Marcus Hughes, Coinbase UK and Europe General Manager Olinga Taeed, Visiting Professor in Blockchain, Birmingham City Business School
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
For the first time since 1974 the United Kingdom is not part of the European Union, so how will this affect your finances?
We look at the new Global Health Insurance card and explore why we might end up with better compensation for delayed flights.
We also discover why some banks are closing UK accounts held by people living in the EU... and some aren't. And ask what UK pensions and benefits will be paid in future to British emigrants living in EU countries?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Ben Carter Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon
How good are you with money? Are you a saver, a spender or a canny investor and where did you learn those skills - from family, school, or maybe you taught yourself through the university of life?
On Wednesday’s programme we want to find out what makes financial education work well, what do young people want to learn about money and how can we help them to achieve their financial goals?
To share your ideas and experiences with Felicity Hannah and guests e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
On the panel:
Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist. Rebekah Kelly, Head of Education - School Age, MyBnk Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People Programmes, The Money Charity
We also hear from Emma Muckalt, joint winner of Interactive Investor's Personal Finance Teacher of the Year 2020 (Primary School).
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
2020 has been a tumultuous year, full of the unexpected, so what can we anticipate for our finances over the years to come?
In 1998 futurologist Graeme Leach wrote a report for Barclays called ’2020 Vision’, designed to look beyond the impending millennium to life in the next 20 years. It wanted to stimulate thinking and discussion on how the future will look.
Join Felicity Hannah to discover how Graeme’s predictions for 2020 have weathered and discuss with three listeners what their hopes and aspirations are for the next 20 years, what have been their successes and failures from the last 20, and what lessons can be learnt.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
It’s been a tough year for charities since the global pandemic struck but many of you have come up with innovative ways to raise money for the causes you love. The closure of charity shops and the cancellation of events has greatly reduced income and many charities are also experiencing rising demands, so finding new ways to generate income has been vital.
On Wednesday’s Money Box Live Louise Cooper and guests will look at charity finances and fundraising in 2020. Joining Louise are:
Caron Bradshaw, Charity Finance Group Daniel Fluskey, Institute of Fundraising Robin Osterley, Charity Retail Association
We’d love to hear your ideas and experiences so e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now to join in with the conversation.
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
A damning report by Dame Elizabeth Gloster finds that the financial regulator failed nearly 12,000 people who lost up to £237 million after an investment scheme collapsed. How have those who lost money reacted to her findings?
A search through 390,000 online adverts for rented homes reveals that on two websites more than 80% discriminate against people on benefits.
And concerns from the team dedicated to chasing, catching and prosecuting illegal loan sharks about the rise of people being targeted via social media.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Ben Carter and Maryam Ahmed Producer: Darin Graham Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Exclusive figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service show a big increase in the number of complaints about banks in relation to fraud and scams. The stats show the FOS upholds 32% of complaints on average – but when it comes to fraud and scam cases that number nearly doubles to 58%. What does the FOS think about recent reports in the press that suggests banks are trying to get out of their voluntary code to refund victims of fraud? We hear from one case study who had £13,200 stolen 18 months ago and was refused a refund, until Money Box got involved. Paul talks to Debbie Enever from the Financial Ombudsman Service
In an exclusive interview Paul speaks to Alex Marsh, the UK boss of the biggest player in the Buy Now Pay Later market. The FCA is currently working on its review into BNPL as the industry braces itself for the prospect of regulation
More listeners have been contacting Money Box to tell us they are being pursued for debts of over £1000 by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is trying to recover a payment they have never had from a benefit they are not claiming. We hear from some of those affected.
Five major house builders are changing the way they sell new leasehold flats. Sebastian Kelly from the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership explains all.
Producers: Ben Carter and Darin Graham Reporter: Dan Whitworth Editor: Emma Rippon
If you’re priced out of the housing market, could shared ownership help you onto the property ladder? Offered by housing associations and private developers, these schemes allow you to buy a share in a property while paying rent for the portion that you do not own.
Paul Lewis and guests answer your questions about the pros and cons of shared ownership. How does it work and what are the costs, responsibilities and restrictions?
E-mail your questions, thoughts and experiences now to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
On the panel will be:
Kelly McCabe, Managing Director, TMP The Mortgage People Amy Nettleton, Chair, Shared Ownership Steering Group Giles Peaker, Housing Partner, Anthony Gold Solicitors
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
We've been hearing from listeners who’ve been contacted by Department for Work and Pensions demanding repayment of Universal Credit advances that the DWP says they’ve received. The trouble is, they’ve never even applied for Universal Credit, let alone had an advance. The DWP are also contacting these fraud victims employers to deduct the money owed from their salary before investigations are completed.
Two dozen people are facing the threat of redundancy because the small business they work for is being forced to shut down because it can’t get insurance. How is this possible and why isn’t the insurance market working like it should? Solicitor Merlin Batchelor talks us through his problem and Felicity talks to Martin McTague from the Federation of Small Businesses which is calling for the insurance industry and policy makers to investigate what’s going on.
Savers at the UK’s government backed bank, National Savings and Investments, are struggling to withdraw their funds after the firm slashed its interest rate to next to nothing. Jill Waters, NS&I’s retail director joins us to explain what’s going on.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producers: Ben Carter and Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon
Is taking a break from regular payments on your mortgage, credit card or a loan for example a good way to help you through financial difficulties?
Charmaine Cozier asks what you should consider before deferring regular payments and whether there are alternatives or long term consequences for your money.
We'd love to hear your questions, experiences and views so please e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
On the panel are:
Sam Nurse, Money Advice Hub. Your Debt Doctor, Ripon Ray. James Jones, Experian.
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box has found evidence of fraud in the Direct Debit system. We hear how Ursula, pictured with her son Phil, was repeatedly targeted. But how can you protect yourself against this fraud, once criminals use stolen personal details to drain your account? We get insight from Lisa Forte of Red Goat Cyber Security.
Also - young people and hard up families are being priced out of rented homes by landlords asking for six months rent in advance. We hear from Jennie Bibbings of Shelter Cymru and John Stewart from the National Residential Landlords Association.
And a breakthrough for some parents of children with learning disabilities who haven't been able to access their child's savings once they reach 18. Two child trust fund providers, OneFamily and BMO Finance, are defying government guidance and giving parents control of the money owed to their child. Normally parents have to go through a long, expensive process which may cost more than the total invested for their child in the fund. We hear the latest on this good news for some families, but also look at the plight of the many more still stuck with the old system, as their providers hang on for new guidance from the government.
Plus in the Money Box Podcast Extra – the horrific case of a student in Nottingham who was assaulted and robbed – but struggled to be set free from his housing contract to recuperate at home. We hear what students can do if they feel they have to withdraw from their student accommodation contract. You can find details of the National Code for student housing and complaints process here https://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Paul Waters Assistant Producer: Darin Graham Programme Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon
As the government lay out their financial plans for the next year, Paul Lewis and our panel discuss how they will affect your money. From pay and benefits to housing and tax, the Chancellor's announcements could have a big impact on personal finances.
Here to translate and dissect the Spending Review are our expert panel:
Anita Monteith - Technical Lead & Senior Policy Adviser, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Helen Barnard - Director, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Heather Self - Partner, Blick Rothenberg
Email in your questions and comments on the Spending Review to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box investigates why parents who have to take unpaid leave to look after children who need to self isolate are unable to claim the £500 Test and Trace support payment.
The Government wants to expand shared ownership as part of a five year housing plan. But is part renting, part buying a leasehold flat really a staircase to heaven?
And why young people that the government has encouraged to pay into a Lifetime ISA account are unable to receive Universal Credit.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The UK is seeing a record number of redundancies, with the latest figures showing more than 314,000 people lost their jobs over the summer. Charmaine Cozier and our panel are here to answer your questions on all things redundancy, from legal rights to budgeting while you're out of work.
Drop us a line with your thoughts or questions: moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Panel: Susie Al-Qassab - Head of Employment Law, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors Bukiie Smart - Founder of Save Spend Invest
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon
How do you make sure that people get advice before they cash in their pension funds early? The latest figures show that more than £2 billion was released early by nearly 350,000 people in the three months to September. Only about one in 30 of the people who take money out get guidance or advice about their decision. The Government’s answer is what it calls a ‘stronger nudge’ and on Monday it is expected to set out its plans to MPs as a new Pension Bill comes to its finale in the House of Commons. Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, Stephen Timms MP, thinks a nudge is not enough.
The Warm Home Discount gives customers on low incomes or in particular family circumstances £140 off one winter energy bill but Money Box has heard that some people who should be eligible to receive the discount are being refused because the scheme is running out of money and suppliers are tightening up the conditions. We speak to the boss of Utilita.
How to talk to children about money and 19,000 investors want to know why they have not been able to get their hands on their missing millions for well over a year.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon
In the early days of lockdown the government announced support for the self-employed who'd had their work impacted - or even destroyed - by the pandemic. But it's estimated that more than a million people have been unable to claim any financial help from the scheme, and they've been in touch with Money Box in droves.
Adam Shaw and our panel hear from some of those who've been stuck without government support and want to know why not, and ask what other help is out there for freelancers.
Panel: Andy Chambers - Director of Policy at IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed Tom Waters - Senior Research Economist from the Institute For Fiscal Studies Caroline Miskin - Technical Manager from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon
A Money Box investigation has found that people across the UK are being refused home Covid tests because of their credit histories. The government uses a credit scoring database to verify the identity of those asking for the tests but that relies on people having a credit history big enough to leave a footprint.
The guides on how to commit scams (and get away with it) being sold online and in plain sight on social media platforms.
And the ins and outs of the new furlough as announced by the Chancellor on Thursday.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon
Felicity Hannah and our expert panel field questions on all things baby related - from parental leave and pay to saving for a baby, your legal rights, budgeting, dealing with unemployment and finding out what government help you can expect.
Our panel includes:
Laura Suter - Personal finance analyst at AJ Bell, and new parent
Nick Hill - Money Advice Service
Nyaradzo Nyakatawa - Legal advisor for charity Pregnant Then Screwed
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon
As the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme wraps up, what are your redundancy rights? And what happens if you’re on a zero-hours contract?
Gym members are being pursued by debt collectors after they cancelled their direct debit for fees to gyms they couldn't go to because of the pandemic.
And why are banks refusing to open accounts for newly formed charities and community groups?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Darin Graham Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Simon Maybin Editor: Richard Vadon
Starting a business is hard, but starting one during lockdown is harder. Louise Cooper and guests revisit young entrepreneurs who made their side hustle into their 9-5 during lockdown to see how they’re getting on. They also hear from some new businesses owners looking for some help and guidance about starting and sustaining a successful company.
Guests: Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation Annabel Cork, founder of Make It Your Business
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon
If you’ve got a story to share, do email us on moneybox@bbc.co.uk or you can Tweet us @moneybox
The numbers of people targeted by thieves on Instagram has sharply risen during lockdown and Action Fraud is warning Instagram users to be wary of fraudulent investment posts offering ‘get rich quick’ schemes. Criminals use the app to promote investment schemes, luring users with the promise of high returns. We speak to one man caught out.
As Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions expand, we look at the support in place for workers.
And it’s already estimated that nearly two million people who were not in financial difficulty before the pandemic are now struggling to pay all of their bills. Could a 'temporary' debt payment plan help them through the worst of the crisis?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Darin Graham Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon
If you’re under 30 and struggling to be noticed by employers our panel are ready to help. Find out which industries are hiring, how to handle CV gaps and what to focus on when you get an interview.
Email questions and tips to: moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet us @moneybox
Panel: Lauren Mistry, Operations Director at Youth Employment UK John McCourt, Careers adviser with Skills Development Scotland Emlyn Evans, Adviser with Career Wales
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Richard Vadon
Money Box has learnt that thousands of people with the right to work in the UK have not been able to access a National Insurance number. Without one they may not be able to work, open a high street bank account or claim benefits.
The Bank of England has written to lenders to find out whether they are ready for a zero or even a negative Bank Rate. How likely is it and what will that mean for our savings, mortgages, and other debts?
And the life insurance policy that wouldn’t pay out when a terminally ill man needed the help.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Buying your first home has always been a challenge, but amid the madness of 2020 it could be harder than ever. Adam Shaw and a panel of guests answer calls from would-be first-time buyers, from the actor just starting to think about getting on the property ladder, to the social worker wondering whether shared ownership is the answer, and the dad who's seen his dream home slip away as lenders demand larger deposits.
If you've a question or a story to share, do email us on moneybox@bbc.co.uk or you can Tweet us @moneybox.
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton & Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon
People who let out property using Airbnb have been warned this week that the firm will send HMRC the details of their earnings going back to 2017. It may mean that some hosts will receive surprise tax bills.
Thousands of people who invested in a mini-bond sold by a firm called Wellesley face an impossible choice next week. They must decide if they want the company to go into administration and lose everything, or vote for what is called a Company Voluntary Arrangement and lose nearly everything.
When your vehicle is damaged and it is another driver’s fault it's pretty standard practice for their insurer, not yours, to sort out the repairs to your car but it has emerged that it can leave you without a right to complain or get redress when things go wrong. We speak to the MP calling for change.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Renters could be at risk of losing their homes because of changes to the eviction ban that was brought in to protect tenants during the coronavirus pandemic. It's estimated that landlords have lost millions in rent since lockdown hit in March.
What financial support and help is available and what are the different rules for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Louise Cooper is joined by Anny Cullum from Acorn Communities, Meera Chindooroy from the National Residential Landlords Association and Giles Peaker, a housing lawyer from Anthony Gold Solicitors.
We'd love to hear your questions about renting, tenancies and evictions. E-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox.
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon
The costly experience of being unknowingly signed up to a phone competition service. We hear how one subscription cost a Money Box listener over £1,000 across 5 years.
A new Sharia compliant investment fund has been launched on the London Stock Exchange. How does it work?
Edinburgh - Scotland's wealthiest city - launches a plan to get rid of poverty by 2030.
And hints and tips for making difficult financial decisions.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) say that 6 million policy holders are paying too much for their insurance premiums and that radical reforms could save consumers £3.7bn over 10 years.
So how do you get the right policy at a fair price? Joining Paul Lewis to answer your questions and offer advice are:
Louise O'Shea, Confused.com Graeme Trudgill, British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA)
We'd love to hear your questions and ideas about personal insurance, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and tweet @moneybox we'll include as many as we can in the programme.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
This week the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, revealed new measures to help stop mass job cuts in these economically uncertain times. This latest plan - the Job Support Scheme - was spurred on by the ending of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (or furlough). From November, if bosses bring back workers part time, the government will help top up their wages. But there are concerns that it does nothing to assist the millions who have already missed out on government help.
We also discuss whether it's worth buying a warranty on a second-hand car. One man spent £400 but was told it did not cover a £2000 repair.
As businesses struggle in the Covid-19 era are they exploiting young workers by getting them to do job trials but refusing to pay them?
And in the podcast the one subject that has dominated emails to moneybox@bbc.co.uk in recent months... how to get your money back for a cancelled flight, holiday, wedding, concert, football ticket, you name it. We reveal the answer.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
What financial support and guidance is available for serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families? Joining presenter Charmaine Cozier to talk through some of the information, help and advice on offer are:
Forces MoneyPlan The Royal British Legion The Forces Pension Society SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity
If you’re a serving or former member of the Armed Forces we’d love to hear your money questions and experiences e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox.
Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Thousands of British people living in European countries have been told their UK bank accounts will be closed by the end of the year because of Brexit. Money Box has learnt that Lloyds Bank and Barclaycard have been writing to customers telling them to cut up their cards and pay off any outstanding overdrafts or debts in two months unless they can provide a UK address where they are resident.
Buy now, pay later - the slogan of easy credit for generations but now it's being offered routinely in shops and online whenever you buy anything. The regulator is launching a review.
A ban on evictions for residential tenants ends in England and Wales this weekend. We hear from tenants and landlords.
And - in the podcast - what to do if you've ever been charged to keep hold of an old email address when you've changed broadband provider to get your money back.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon
Tuition fees, loans, student jobs and financial help, whatever’s on your mind we’d love to hear your questions, dilemmas and advice so e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
Ready to guide you through university costs, student money and work will be:
Tom Allingham, Save the Student. Eden Cairnie, StudentJob. Judith McMeekin, Student Money Adviser, Ulster University. Kellie McAlonan, Student Money Adviser, University of the West of Scotland.
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Richard Vadon
With fewer jobs and rising unemployment among young people Money Box has seen worrying evidence that the illegal practice of not paying interns is growing.
Thousands of young people are locked out of their Government child trust funds even though they have reached 18.
And would you invest in a bond backed by your local council?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
If you’ve replaced the buzz of the office with working at the kitchen table we’d love to hear how it's going. Have your work-life balance, your finances, career and productivity been affected? Does it make a difference to team working if you don't meet your colleagues face to face?
What responsibilities do employers and employees need to consider and is working from home the future, or are you desperate to get back to the office? What happens if you’re asked to return to your place of work but you’d like more flexibility?
Joining presenter Felicity Hannah to talk it over and discuss this changing world of work are:
Alison Loveday, Employment Partner, Kennedys Law Louise Goss, Founder and Editor, thehomeworker.com David D'Souza, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
To join the debate e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox now with your questions, views and ideas.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
From this month, young people turning 18 can access money given them by the Government in a Child Trust Fund. All children born from September 2002 were given vouchers to invest, the idea being to provide children with some savings at the age of 18, to help with the costs of university or living alone for the first time. Initially £250 was put into the account and another £250 was added when he or she reached the age of seven. For lower-income families, the payment was £500. But it's estimated about a third of eligible young people and their families have no idea these funds exist. So how do you go about finding them?
The financial regulator is currently consulting on limiting the amount it has to pay out when it fails to operate effectively. Campaigners are concerned it is weakening the current consumer redress.
More than two and a half million people have successfully claimed almost £8 billion from the UK government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme. The scheme was designed to help self employed people whose businesses had suffered because of the economic crisis caused by Covid 19.. We hear from one man who found someone else had claimed his self-employment Government grant - twice!
And in our podcast we get a leaseholders response to the news that four of the UK's largest housebuilders are now facing court action after "troubling evidence" was uncovered by the Competition and Markets Authority over the way they sold leaseholds.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Eavesdrop as a couple open up to a relationship counsellor about their personal finances and their feelings.
Money worries are known to put a big strain on relationships, and it can be hard to talk openly and honestly without tempers flaring or heads burying deep into the sand.
In this episode, we hear Hollie and Jay in conversation with Dee Holmes, a counsellor from the relationship charity Relate. Jay has been on furlough and is now working reduced hours, but he’s still keen to save what little he has spare for a place to live with Hollie. Hollie is also keen on that idea but can’t quite seem to stop dipping into her savings to buy clothes. Can they find common ground?
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Smita Patel
Eavesdrop as a couple open up to a relationship counsellor about their personal finances and their feelings.
Money worries are known to put a big strain on relationships, and it can be hard to talk openly and honestly without tempers flaring or heads burying deep into the sand.
In this episode, Maggie and Declan split their finances 50:50, but have significantly different living costs. Maggie spends generously on Declan and his children, but feels guilty if she spends anything on herself. They sit down with Dee Holmes, a counsellor from the relationship charity Relate, to explore why Maggie feels this anxiety, and what they both might be able to do to ease it.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Smita Patel
Eavesdrop as a couple open up to a relationship counsellor about their personal finances and feelings. In this episode, cafe owners Poppy and Cliff return to the Money Clinic to talk to Dee Holmes, a counsellor with the relationship charity, Relate. Last summer, the Liverpool cafe owners spoke to Dee about how they could find a middle ground - Cliff’s ‘maverick’ attitude towards money was clashing with Poppy’s intense frugality. Since then, they’ve been forced to close their cafe due to Covid-19 and they want help managing the resulting financial and emotional fallout. Will they be able to get back on an even keel? Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Smita Patel
Eavesdrop as a couple open up to a relationship counsellor about their personal finances and their feelings.
Money worries are known to put a big strain on relationships, and it can be hard to talk openly and honestly without tempers flaring or heads burying deep into the sand.
In this episode, newly-weds Eve and Nick have different ideas about how joined up their finances should be. They sit down with Dee Holmes, a counsellor from the relationship charity Relate, to explore their different attitudes to money, and how they were formed. Will this bring the couple and their finances closer together?
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Smita Patel
If your holiday plans are affected by coronavirus, what are your rights? Chaos caused by the pandemic has left travellers with many questions - about insurance, refunds and whether they can get away at all. Holidaying in a pandemic isn’t easy but sometimes cancelling isn't either. Our panel of travel experts is ready to answer your Covid-related questions. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel Jill Starley-Grainger, Travel blogger from JetSet Journeys
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Hugh Levinson
From now, the over 75s will have to start paying for their TV licences. We speak to the BBC’s Director, Policy Clare Sumner about what the BBC is doing about the 1m pensioners who will receive demands for payment but should be exempt.
In his summer statement, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised a bonus for employers who hire apprentices over the next six months because “We know apprenticeships work”. But the latest Ofsted figures show that 42% of apprenticeships inspected in England are either inadequate or require improvement - and that they are struggling to inspect at all due to lack of resources. Money Box speaks to the Skills Minister Gllian Keegan MP.
And the debt collection firm that is demanding money from people who don’t owe it. What to do if it happens to you.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon + Ravin Sampat
Fake emails, bogus calls, spoof texts: Fraudsters are exploiting the pandemic to fleece as many unwitting victims as they can. So how to spot a scam and keep your money safe? Join Felicity Hannah and a panel of experts offering top tips to avoid being scammed. Share your experiences by emailing moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Katy Worobec, Managing Director, Economic Crime, UK Finance Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur, Kent Police Richard Emery, bank fraud consultant, 4Keys International
Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon
During the health pandemic a fraud epidemic has been growing. The latest official crime survey found fraud accounts for a third of all crime in England and Wales. It costs the UK economy tens of billions of pounds and very often individuals many thousands of pounds. But the cost is much more than just financial. It can be emotionally and mentally devastating. Money Box has been given access to a rare recording of fraud in progress. An expert assesses what made it so believable and one of the most senior fraud investigators in the UK tells us what he's doing about this kind of financial crime.
Also on the programme, the car finance customers stuck with a vehicle they cannot use and no longer own but they still have to tax and insure it.
As government advice changes and people are asked to go back to work, many childcare providers remain closed. So do employers need to make any allowances?
And in the podcast, will house prices go up or fall - a listener asks should he buy now or wait?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
If you're claiming benefits for the first time because of coronavirus, what’s your experience? Millions of people who have lost their jobs or their income since lockdown, are having to apply for Universal Credit for the first time to help meet basic living costs. But how much do you get and how long before the money comes through? Join Paul Lewis and a panel of benefits experts offering advice on how to claim, what you might get and how to avoid pitfalls. Email your questions and stories to moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Anna Stevenson, Welfare benefits expert, Turn2Us Will Hadwen, Working Families Gary Martin, Welfare benefits specialist at Brixton Advice Centre
Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon
The organisation charged by the government to provide debt advice says it expects the number of people in financial difficulties to soar by 60% as the economic crisis begins to hit home. By late 2021 it expects that eight million people will have not been able to pay at least three bills in a six month period. And there are growing concerns that people with severe debt are being exploited by firms selling Individual Voluntary Agreements - a formal debt solution to pay back debts - which the firms make money from.
Saving, if you can afford it. With interest rates at record lows, what is the motivation to save? Some community schemes think they have the answer.
And Ofcom say it's concerned 'some customers are not being treated fairly' when it comes to being charged for keeping email addresses after switching provider - available to listen to in our podcast edition.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Schools partially closed, nurseries struggling to reopen, grandparents shielding, childminders grappling with social distancing and a lack of au pairs because of travel restrictions. Arguably the UK faces a childcare crisis. At the same time, lockdown is being lifted, the Job Retention Scheme is being wound down, and the government is urging us all back to work to rebuild our shattered economy.
But how can parents work without affordable, quality childcare? And how can childcare providers deliver if they don't have the cash coming in? What help is available if you’re income’s dried up, but you still have fees to pay or overheads to settle?
Louise Cooper and a panel of experts are here to answer your childcare questions. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Purnima Tanuku, CEO, National Day Nurseries Association Will Hadwen, Benefits adviser from Working Families Megan Jarvie, Head of Family and Childcare at Coram
Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon
As quarantine is lifted and airports get ready for summer flights, are some airlines taking advantage of people who are being offered the opportunity to rebook their flights?
Earlier this week Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined how he planned to get the economy up and running again following the harm done by coronavirus. Front and centre was a £2bn "kick-start' scheme to create more jobs for young people. But does it go far enough? Poppy and Ataysha - two young people who could be helped - tell us what they think. With Sam Windett, Chair of the Youth Employment Group.
There were also big announcements on the coronavirus job retention scheme with £1000 promised for every person firms bring back to work after being put on furlough. But we hear about the furlough scheme sums that were just too tricky for one employment agency. With Lucy McLynn, Partner and Head of Employment at BatesWells.
Plus stampduty, VAT and eating out.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeill Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Online lectures yet full tuition fees; socialising at a distance and virtual fresher's events - all because of the pandemic. So is it financially worthwhile going to uni this year, if you won't be getting the university experience you’d hoped for or dreamed of? How valuable is a degree for your future earnings? Is it better to do an apprenticeship, to earn as you learn? Or ditch higher education altogether and dive into the uncertain jobs market? We'll be taking questions and hearing the dilemmas of school leavers across the across the UK as they decide what to do next.
Join Adam Shaw and a panel of guests - and share your views and experiences. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Dr Maria Neophytou, acting CEO of Impetus Paul Johnson, Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies Sophie Graham, a National Careers adviser
Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon
Just days after a damning House of Lords report, Money Box can reveal that loot boxes in some games aimed at children have win rates of as little as 0.01%. Experts are worried this could get children hooked on gambling.
The courts have ordered changes in the way income is calculated which will mean more money for thousands of people on Universal Credit.
And we hear from one listener who got his money back for a cancelled holiday through his debit card but now the company is trying to take it back.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Daniel Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeill Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The government-backed loans designed to give small firms quick and easy access to cash during the coronavirus crisis. If you've applied for one, what's your experience? Has it saved your business from collapse? Many listeners have contacted us, angry and frustrated at the time it's taking to get the loans approved. For some, time is running out. Without income, how can they pay the bills, never mind adapt to the new phase of lockdown? Unless they get this emergency cash, they're worried they won't survive.
Money Box Live wants to hear your questions, stories and successes. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Stephen Pegge, Managing Director of Commercial Finance, UK Finance Craig Beaumont, Chief of External Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon
Listeners whose holidays have been cancelled are telling us that they are having to pay to get their money back off their credit card. With Helen Saxon, Banking Editor at MoneySavingExpert.
Thousands of parents are using lockdown as an excuse not to pay maintenance for their children. Single parent charity Gingerbread say that Covid-19 is making things worse and that the official service that should make them pay is not checking what they say.
The face masks that cost $10 to buy but $109 to deliver - and still don’t arrive. The dangers of believing ads on Instagram and social media.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Are you worried you’re about to lose your job because of the coronavirus crisis? Has the job retention scheme kept you afloat since lockdown – but now your boss wants to let you go? If you’re facing redundancy, it's important to know your rights. How many days’ notice should you get and how much pay? If you're an employer, do you understand your obligations if you have to reduce your workforce? Millions of workers are at risk of redundancy in the coming months as the government furlough scheme starts to be phased out from August. So now is the time to get your redundancy queries answered.
Paul Lewis and a panel of experts are here with knowledge and advice. Email your questions to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Guests: Merrill April, Partner at CM Murray, specialist employment lawyers Susan Raftery, Senior adviser at Acas, the conciliation and advice service for employees and employers Minesh Patel, Welfare policy manager, Citizens Advice
Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon
There's been a sharp rise in the number of people whose identity was stolen last year - up by almost 20% on the year before. It can have a devastating effect on your financial life. One listener tells us how it took months to restore her good name and cost her £10,000.
Young people are inevitably hit badly by a major financial crisis like the one we are living through. Figures out this week show that the number of young unemployed people is growing by more than 4000 every single day. One charity has told the BBC Three reporter Harvey Day that the number of people in their twenties applying for emergency help has soared.
And can National Savings and Investments keep up with the demands of being at the top of the best buy tables?
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter Paul Lewis Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producers: Alex Lewis and Paul Waters Editor: Emma Rippon
What’s the best way to get fast, reliable and affordable broadband during lockdown? With millions of us now working from home due to Covid-19, and children relying on the internet for online schooling, decent broadband is more important than ever. So how to be sure you're getting the right deal? What offers are available? How easy is it to move to a new provider - and what can you do if your current deal is about to end and you can't get through to your provider? We'll also have top tips on how to make the most of your existing broadband.
Our panel of experts is ready to answer your questions and offer their advice.
Email us with your broadband woes and wins: moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Guests: Adam French, Senior Consumer Rights Editor at Which? Selina Chadha, Director of Consumer Policy at Ofcom
Producer: Sally Abrahams
Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box listeners tell us that their requests for refunds on their motor insurance are being refused despite using their cars less during lockdown. The regulator has recently called on firms to review the value of their policies in light of the lockdown but critics say they let car insurers 'off the hook'.
Google is still allowing crooks to advertise dodgy investments and websites, despite telling this programme earlier in the year it was working with the Financial Conduct Authority to offer consumers better protection. We hear from one woman who had almost £30,000 stolen after clicking on a paid for advert that fraudsters had placed.
And this week we learnt that the UK economy had shrunk by a fifth in a month - an unheard of decline - showing the difficulties that many firms are experiencing. More than a million have been kept afloat by the Coronavirus job retention scheme. From August all firms will have to start paying towards the costs of furloughing staff. How will they cope and what rights do furloughed employees have if they are facing redundancy?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producers: Alex Lewis and Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
Adam Shaw and guests discuss how you can make a return on your money in turbulent economic times. With saving rates low and stock markets volatile what should your strategy be, even if you only have a small amount to invest?
Panel:
Anna Bowes, co-founder of Savings Champion Felix Milton, financial planner at Philip J Milton
Email your questions to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Key workers who are returning to the NHS to help it cope during the coronavirus pandemic are being targeted by promoters of tax avoidance schemes, a Money Box investigation has found.
Adverts posted on social media are designed to push key workers towards umbrella companies operating on the fringes of the law which, alongside standard ones, act as employers for freelance contractors.
Posing as a health care worker, our reporter was told how she could legally hide a large chunk of salary from the taxman saving thousands of pounds.
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people not to sign up to what it describes as these "unscrupulous companies", saying some people could end up with large, unexpected tax bills.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Anna Meisel Editor: Emma Rippon
There are nearly three million single parent families in the UK, which is 15% of all families. Their finances are often tight and they face a particularly high risk of poverty compared with other households.
Louise Cooper and guests talk to single parents about the financial challenges brought about by coronavirus and we have experts on hand to offer advice and answer questions.
Panel:
Victoria Benson, CEO of Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families. Lee Healey, founder of Income Max, an organisation that helps maximise family incomes through a service that guides access to unclaimed benefits
Email your experiences and questions to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producers: Ben Carter and Eleanor Layhe Editor: Emma Rippon
Over 2 million people have received a grant from the government’s self-employment income support scheme. This week Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that it will be extended to pay out another lump sum worth 70% of average monthly trading profits, capped at £6,570. Guest: Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy for the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.
It's been more than a month since a ban on using credit cards as a source of funds for gambling came into force. Reporter Dan Whitworth unearths a major loophole in those rules. Guest: Carolyn Harris MP and Chair of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling related harm.
University students applying for maintenance loans who have experienced household loss of income of 15 percent or more, due to coronavirus, could be eligible for a higher amount. Guest: Tom Allingham from Save the Student
Presenter Paul Lewis Reporter Dan Whitworth Producer Charmaine Cozier Editor Richard Vadon
A quarter of British employees have been furloughed since the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement in March. Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme workers are entitled to receive 80% of their pay up to a maximum of £2500 a month but they’re not allowed to do any work for their employer while on furlough. Earlier this month the scheme was extended until October - but from August the government will expect employers to contribute to the huge ongoing costs - estimated at between £10-£15 billion a month.
Furloughing is working well for the majority of people but it is causing a number of different problems for some - both employees and employers. Paul and guests talk to some of them.
Panel:
Susie Al-Qassab, employment partner at Hodge, Jones and Allen Sarah Chilton, employment partner at CM Murray
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Ravin Sampat
Festival goers are trying to get their money back from the organisers of Afro Nation but are being told that Portuguese law means they’re not entitled to a refund – what can they do? Lenders are cutting credit card limits and that could affect your credit rating... but not in the way you might think. Former pensions minister Steve Webb tells us that tens of thousands of older married women pensioners are being paid up to £80 a week too little - how do you go about seeing if you're missing out and how can you claim if you are? Mortgage repayment holidays have helped ease the finances of millions of struggling home owners during coronavirus but how much will the delay in paying cost in the long run?
Check out if you are owed pension money here
https://www.lcp.uk.com/is-your-state-pension-being-underpaid/
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Ben Carter Reporters: Felicity Hannah and Kafui Okpattah Editor: Emma Rippon
Your questions on the challenges of getting and holding on to a mortgage or re-mortgage during coronavirus. How does being furloughed affect your prospects? Are some job sectors now less desirable to mortgage providers? What if pandemic-related delays in conveyancing are pushing you close to the expiry of your existing mortgage offer? Should fears of a market dip make you reconsider and sit tight where you are - or is it time to reduce your offer? Why are interest rates rising for some types of mortgages and falling for others? We hear what's happening in the mortgage and re-mortgage market from experts Jane King, independent mortgage advisor with Ash Ridge Private Finance - and from Martin Stewart, director of the independent mortgage broker, London Money. Email Money Box moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Paul Waters
Money Box has been hearing from furloughed workers who say their employers are abusing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. It allows staff to be put on leave while the government pays 80 per cent of their wages up to £2500 a month. One worker says he’s being forced to keep working and another says she’s been furloughed but isn’t being paid. Guest Sarah Chilton, partner with employment law specialists CM Murray
We hear from Endija who bought her two-bedroom home after viewing it through a virtual tour. Guest Mark Hayward, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents
And the programme looks at the latest measures to help insurance customers with financial difficulties caused by coronavirus.
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk with any questions for the programme.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Reporter: Dan Whitworth Editor: Emma Rippon
Felicity Hannah and guests talk to young entrepreneurs who've started businesses during the lockdown. She'll hear about the successes and challenges they encountered along the way.
Guests:
Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation Zara Khalique, creator of Keep It Bright
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @Moneybox with stories, experiences or questions for the panel.
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Pandemic-related salary cuts and being furloughed could affect your ability to get a mortgage. What will mortgage providers take into account - your previous normal salary or your 80% rate? And will job types in sectors hit badly by the coronavirus now be deemed less desirable by lenders? We hear your stories and get advice from Martin Stewart, Director of the independent mortgage broker, London Money.
Millions of self-employed workers are being offered help through the government's new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). But Money Box listeners say they've experienced problems with the SEISS online checker and complain they've been wrongly rejected. We discover what's going on with the scheme and hear from the chief executive of HMRC, Jim Harra - the man in charge.
Many of us are being forced to work from home during the pandemic and that can means extra costs for the employee. We find out from Heather Self, Tax Director at Blick Rothenberg, how your employer can offset your extra costs and what you can claim against tax.
Good news for some Virgin Money customers who had their credit cards frozen this week and there's a cancelled holiday chargeback success story in the Money Box podcast.
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @Moneybox with any personal finance questions or queries.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Editor: Emma Rippon Reporter: Ben Carter
Graduates and young workers face huge challenges getting and staying in a job as coronavirus changes the employment picture. Louise Cooper discusses the consequences and solutions.
Guests:
Laura Gardiner, Research Director at the Resolution Foundation Michele Farmer, Regional Director at the Prince's Trust
Email questions and experiences to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
On this week’s Money Box we hear from people who’ve been furloughed by their employer but are being pressured into working anyway - something very much against the rules of the Job Retention Scheme. And can an employer force those people still working to take a pay cut? Paul talks through the legal implications with Susie Al-Qassab, partner at Hodge, Jones and Allen Solicitors.
As the consumer watchdog threatens legal action against companies refusing to refund customers during the coronavirus pandemic, we hear about the struggles some listeners have been having with various companies. Gary Rycroft, partner at Joseph A Jones Solicitors, and consumer rights champion Helen Dewdney from The Complaining Cow website talk through the issues.
And we have exclusive figures from the National Gambling Helpline about a sharp drop in callers and how it’s worried about what that might mean for 100,000s of problem gamblers during lockdown. Paul talks to one of the problem gamblers affected and speaks to Anna Hemmings, CEO at Gamcare.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Many people are having to claim benefits for the first time due to coronavirus. Paul Lewis and guests find out how some people have found this experience. Was it clear how to claim? Did you find the rules easy to understand? Have you got your money yet? Is it enough? What other help is out there?
Guests: Victoria Todd from Low Income Tax Reform Group and Will Hadwen, a welfare rights advisor with Working Families.
Email: moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Alex Lewis and Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
650,000 people work as contractors in a wide range of jobs across the UK – supply teachers, IT engineers, health care workers. But some of them have told Money Box they’ve been left in limbo by umbrella companies who say they need more clarity from the government before they can decide to furlough them or not. Issues about how much the contractors would get, how much holiday pay they’d be owed and what the industry will do if they don’t get any more guidance from the government means huge financial stress and worry for all those involved. Guest: Julia Kermode, Chief Executive, The Freelancer & Contractor Services Association.
There's a glimmer of hope for cash savers as NS&I abandons plans for major interest rate cuts to its variable rate savings products which were due to happen on May 1. Anna Bowes Co-Founder of Savings Champion also rounds up what’s happening elsewhere in the cash savings market.
We look at ways to safely access cash for people who are self-isolating and relying on relatives or volunteers to do their shopping for them. Guest: Helen Saxon, Banking Editor MoneySavingExpert
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
On our programme last Saturday we looked at the new Financial Conduct Authority guidance for people with car finance who are struggling to pay it due to coronavirus. 80% of all private new car buyers take out finance at the dealership and there’s £110bn worth of debt outstanding. We get lots of questions from listeners about how car finance actually works so for this special podcast extra we’ve got Stuart Masson, editor of thecarexpert.co.uk to explain. He’ll also talk about the FCA guidance in more detail.
Reporter and Producer: Ben Carter
Adam Shaw and guests talk to people struggling with bills and finding it hard to access credit. They offer practical advice about how to stay on top of your finances.
Guests: Richard Lane from StepChange and Sara Williams from Debt Camel.
Email: moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Action to protect workers who would otherwise face redundancy due to the coronavirus outbreak was brought in by the government last month. Known as the Job Retention Scheme it pays 80 per cent of wages for people kept on by their employer up to a maximum of £2,500 a month. At the time there was disappointment from those who missed out because they didn’t start their job before the scheme’s cut-off date of February 28th. This week that date was extended to the 19th of March. The Treasury says the date change is “expected to benefit over 200,000 employees” - but will it? Guest: Heather Self, Tax Partner, Blick Rothenberg.
Plans to refund the victims of fraud isn’t "working as well as hoped" according to financial watchdog the Payment Systems Regulator. Data gathered by the PSR shows that two high street banks who promised to refund victims refused to do so in 96% of cases. Money Box hears from the PSR Managing Director Chris Hemsley to find out what his organisation is doing about it, what action it wants to see from the banks… and why it isn’t taking tougher action already. Money Box also hears from the son of one victim whose bank initially refused to refund him after criminals used his bank details to steal his life savings of £90k.
The FCA announced more plans to support households struggling to pay bills due to the impact of coronavirus on incomes. They include a three month payment freeze for car loans and a one month interest-free halt on high-cost short-term credit payments like payday loans. The FCA hopes to finalise the proposals by Friday 24 April and expect them to happen shortly afterwards. A three month credit card payment holiday for people with cash problems caused by coronavirus came into force this week.
Guests: Sara Williams debt campaigner and founder of the Debt Camel blog and Stuart Masson Editor for thecarexpert.co.uk
Presenter: Paul Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon Producer: Charmaine Cozier
How are student finances being affected by coronavirus? Louise Cooper is joined by Tom Allingham from Save The Student and Hayley Borrett from The National Association of Student Money Advisers. They'll hear from students with concerns about paying fees, meeting rent obligations, making student loan payments and much more.
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk with questions and experiences or tweet @Moneybox
Producer: Ben Carter Researcher: Kafui Okpattah Editor: Emma Rippon
Millions of people are still facing huge financial pressure despite government measures to help them deal with the fallout from coronavirus.
Some estimates show that up to half of the 5m people who are self employed won’t be helped by the support package that the government has announced. Many thousands more, who are employees, are not eligible for the job retention furlough arrangements.
Unsurprisingly the benefits system has seen an unprecedented number of new applications for Universal credit. We’re hearing of a back log of many weeks as the Department for Work and Pensions tries to work through more than a million new cases.
So if you are one of the millions of people affected by a huge and sudden loss in income, what can you do to survive?
Paul Lewis and guests discuss their top tips for surviving financial shock.
Joining Paul are:
- Nick Hill - money expert, Money And Pensions Service
- Laura Peters - from Mental Health and Money Advice
- Anna Stevenson - welfare benefit expert at charity Turn2us
Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Louise Cooper and guests discuss how government rules help tenants and landlords affected by coronavirus.
Guests:
Henry Pryor - Buying agent and property expert Anny Cullum - National organiser for Acorn, a community and tenants union John Stewart - Policy manager at the National Residential Landlords Association
Email questions to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
People who have recently begun new jobs say that the government’s plan to help businesses hit by coronavirus may treat them unfairly. Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, a business can choose to furlough workers – that is, keep them on the books but not working and at home. The government will pay 80 per cent of their wages up to £2,500 per month. Companies may choose to top up furloughed employee wages to 100 per cent.
However, to be eligible for furloughing, workers have to have been in employment with the company on February 28th, 2020. New starters say that unfairly leaves out people who happened to be between jobs on that date. It also means that people who have changed jobs since then cannot ask to be furloughed by their new employer.
We hear the experiences and concerns of new starters and employers, alongside Edwin Morgan, director of policy at the Institute of Directors, and employment lawyer Amy Wren of Farrer and Co. Then we put your points to Harriet Baldwin, MP - a Conservative member of the Treasury Select Committee and former economic secretary to the Treasury.
There's an update on the Financial Conduct Authority's proposals for new rules on lending. And on the podcast, happy news from a Money Box-inspired wedding.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Paul Waters Editor: Hugh Levinson
In recent weeks the Money Box inbox has been inundated with your queries and questions about travel and holiday issues. So we invited Simon Calder, travel editor at The Independent, to shed some light on some of the most common problems people are facing.
Wedding plans in ruins, holidays cancelled, business on hold and landlords unable to rent out their properties.
This is exactly the kind of unexpected scenario we buy insurance policies for, but are they written to cover once in a century events like the coronavirus outbreak?
Our panel of experts answer your questions on insurance policies and claims.
This week the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Government’s much anticipated help package for the self employed. Only about two thirds of an estimated 6m workforce will gain anything, leaving over a million people without help. We look at the package in more detail, including the changes to benefits and hear top tips for getting paid in a timely manner.
And the banks were quick to promise support for customers in need but are they actually delivering? Money Box listeners tell us their experiences.
Presenter Felicity Hannah Reporter: Ben Carter Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Announcements from the Government are coming thick and fast about the help available for small business in these difficult times.
An expert panel joins Adam Shaw to discuss and answer your questions on what assistance might be on offer.
We also look at issues facing the self-employed and discuss what support is currently out there for them. Get in touch by email: moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet: @moneybox.
Joining Adam: Will Hadwen - rights adviser from Working Families Sonali Parekh - Head of Policy at the Federation for Small Businesses Alasdair Hutchison - Policy Development Manager from the Association of Independent Professionals and Self Employed
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box unpicks the Chancellor's announcement on support for wages and rents.
Investments have taken a massive hit over the last few weeks as the stock market has dived. We speak to one Money Box listener who thought his fund, which was nearing maturity, had been moved to a 'safer' account - only to discover it hadn't.
And the latest fraud statistics show that in 2019 fraud increased by 45%. We speak to Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, the collective voice of the banking industry.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The UK government has urged Britons to avoid non-essential travel to anywhere in the world for 30 days to tackle the spread of coronavirus. Where does that leave people and their holiday plans? And what about future holidays?
Joining presenter Louise Cooper to share their views:
Simon Calder, Travel Editor at The Independent. Charlie Campbell, Senior Policy Adviser at the Association of British Insurers. Gary Rycroft, solicitor at Joseph A Jones & Co LLP.
Email questions to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Richard Vadon
The financial fallout from the Corona Virus pandemic. Making sense of the help available.
And the Chief Financial Ombudsman, Caroline Wayman, tells us that the banks warnings are not good enough and that they need to do much to stop people becoming victims of so-called "push payment fraud". We report on a "never seen before" fraud that lead to a ninety-one year old losing his life's savings. The criminals used the victim's driving licence to set up an account in his name, but under their control. They stole £90,000 over five months. When he became suspicious he contacted his bank but they refused to refund him.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Whether you're young or old, rich or poor, how will the Budget affect your personal finances?
Paul Lewis and a panel of experts give their opinions on how it will affect your wallet and take your calls.
Our panel this week; Anita Monteith – Institute of Chartered Accountants Heather Self- Blick Rothenberg Accountants Tina Riches – Tax Aid
Call 03700 100 444. Lines are open from 1pm on Wednesday 11 March.
You can also email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
TikTok has been downloaded over 1.6 billion times and most of its users are young. They share videos and stream their activities live. The site allows people who have over 1000 followers to be given presents by other users in exchange for giving their account a 'shout out'. To give money you should be over eighteen. So how did a 9 year old girl gift thousands of pounds from her dad's bank account?
It will be at least another two years before estate agents and the property business will be regulated - that estimate from the man the government asked to propose reforms.
And why do student loan repayments take more from people who work and earn irregularly than if they had a steady salaried job?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Daniel Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The traditional model of giving is in decline, no longer do people have a charity for life. Now the sector is coping with huge changes in the way people give from card payments, crowdfunding to adventure fundraising. Is sponsored skydiving becoming the raffle of the 21st Century?
Technology offers huge opportunities as well as challenges, with new software making fundraising easier as well as connecting charities to donors across the world. But how can smaller charities tap into this potential?Louise Cooper and her panel of guests ask whether charities are ready for these changes and what they mean for donors.
Joining Louise are- Kelly Southcott from charity consultancy Kivo Joe Saxton from charity research firm NPF Synergy
Email: moneybox:bbc.co.uk with questions and experiences for the panel.
People who bought leasehold homes from developers were "misled". That is the damning verdict of a report by the Competition and Markets Authority. They say its findings support calls for a change in the law in this area and that they are ready to take this fight to the courts to force developers to change their ways bringing new hope to leaseholders.
Young savers in the government-backed pension scheme called NEST see their money grow more slowly than older people because their contributions are automatically put into a low risk, lower return fund.
And after years where hundreds of thousands of students have overpaid their student loans by hundreds of millions of pounds, the Student Loans Company is starting to trial a system to automatically refund customers who have over-paid on their student loan repayments.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Landlords and letting agencies who advertise property with a ban on renting benefits claimants - so-called "No DSS" clauses - risk legal action under anti-discrimination laws. So why do such restrictions persist? What can prospective tenants on benefits do about it? And what legal and financial risks are being run by landlords who display "No DSS" restrictions?
Money Box Live takes your calls and hears from Polly Neate, the chief executive of the homelessness and housing advice charity, Shelter. And from John Stewart, policy manager of the Residential Landlords Association.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers Paul Waters & Jordan Dunbar
Email- moneybox@bbc.co.uk Twitter - @moneybox
A Money Box investigation has found that two of the biggest broadband providers are charging people up to £90 a year to keep their email address if they switch to another supplier. The regulator Ofcom has told Money Box that it has written to the firms and may take further action.
Nearly two million savers will miss out on more than £100 million a year income following the announcement this week of cuts to National Savings and Investments interest rates. Is this the end of savings?
From April the liability for any underpaid tax shifts from the contractor - IT expert, business consultant or indeed a care worker - to the firm that wants the work done. The result is that many big firms including banks are refusing to take on contractors unless they become employees for the short period they work there. The contractors say that cuts the fees they are paid, increases their costs, and removes their flexibility. Campaigners say contractors are leaving the UK and want the changes to be delayed.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon
Unexpected bills from video games and apps? The online world of video games and apps can be financially treacherous, filled with loot boxes and micro-transactions. They can mean large, unexpected bills through the relatively new phenomenon of in-game purchases. Louise Cooper and guests discuss what your consumer rights are if things go wrong.
Guests:
Dr Jo Twist, CEO at The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) Alex Neill, CEO at Resolver David McClelland, technology journalist
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Hugh Levinson
Should the unwed lose out on a benefit paid to married people? Bereavement Support Payment is available to the widows, widowers or surviving civil partners of people who died on or after 6 April 2017. There's additional money if they have children. A recent High Court judgement held that the Pensions Act, by excluding bereaved unmarried partners from claiming Bereavement Support Payment, contravened the human rights of any children they might have. This week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament that he would look into what he described as an "injustice". Guest: Alison Penny, director of the Childhood Bereavement Network.
Richard is 20 and earns £18,000 a year. He applied online for a credit card. When this was approved he was shocked to find he had an £8,000 credit limit. Guest: Peter Tutton, head of policy, StepChange debt charity.
If you missed the January self-assessment tax deadline, picked up a £100 penalty and still haven't filed, there's another deadline. It's March 1st and if you have tax to pay the penalties for missing it could cost you a great deal more.
How can you track down old pensions from past jobs? When you find them, will you be able to you lump them together? Guest: Claire Trott, head of pension strategy for Technical Connections.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
This week Louise Cooper asks how you can negotiate the best broadband deal. How do you know if you’re paying too much? What’s the best way of securing a better deal? What are your rights if you’ve been overpaying? What are the best deals available at the moment?
Guests:
Selina Chadha: Director of Consumer Policy at Ofcom Adam French: Consumer Rights Editor at Which? Guy Anker: Deputy Editor at Money Saving Expert
Email questions for the panel or top tips to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box has found that there has been a big increase in the number of young adults being taken to court for unpaid debts.
Court records show that last year around 160,000 people in their twenties were given County Court Judgments in England and Wales - a rise of 30 per cent from the year before.
How a £3 month long trial for a dating website ended up costing one user £300.
And Jon Douglas visits a bank that’s swimming against the tide by opening branches in rural locations.
Presenter: Louise Cooper Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Wedding planning can be stressful and expensive. Venue, catering, flowers...the list goes on. Charmaine Cozier and guests talk through the best ways to budget and negotiate on price.
Guests:
Lisa Garwood-Cross, Living Thrifty Eve Obasuyi, Money Medics Ruby Norris, Wedding Ideas Magazine Gary Rycroft, Joseph A Jones Solicitors
Email questions and experiences to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Ben Carter Editor Emma Rippon
One of the most important rights that Europe gave us was the freedom to live and work in EU countries and retire there. About a quarter of a million UK pensioners live in the EU and draw their UK pensions and, in most countries, still get the winter fuel payment. But will that continue post - Brexit?
A Money Box investigation by Dan Whitworth has found more than 1000 people making the most serious complaints about maladministration at the Department for Work and Pensions face waiting 18 months before their case is even opened.
And the campaigner trying to get Google to take action on adverts for unregulated investments.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
What are your rights when that dream holiday you've saved up for gets cancelled or you experience problems during the holiday itself? Paul Lewis and guests answer your calls and emails.
Guests: the travel journalist Simon Calder and consumer champion Helen Dewdney.
Email: moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Home owners are at risk of losing large amounts of money when selling their properties by using so called quick sale estate agents. That’s a warning from Trading Standards. It’s told Money Box it’s seen dozens of examples of people losing tens of thousands of pounds from the market value of their homes when agents exploit people who are desperate to sell quickly.
In the first half of last year private parking firms requested 4.32m driver details from the DVLA so they could issue fines to motorists. This number of demands is 25% up on 2018 which was itself a fifth higher than 2017. We get many emails to moneybox@bbc.co.uk from listeners asking what they should do when they think they have been sent a demand which they believe is unfair. We speak to parking expert John Wilkie to find out.
A Money Box investigation has found that councils around the country are charging students Council Tax over the summer holidays when they should be exempt. Last week we heard from a student at Durham University who'd been sent a bill for hundreds of pounds. After the programme we were contacted by students from Oxford, Norwich, Salford, and Chester who had a similar story. Student bodies are now calling on the government to address the issue with local authorities to ensure that students aren’t forced to pay Council Tax.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Dan Whitworth/Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The gig economy is booming in the UK. More than a million people are using online platforms to secure jobs. Some people say that Uber drivers and couriers are the poster boys and girls for an exploited part of the workforce. Others argue the flexibility of working when and where you want works perfectly for those who don't want a 9-5 job.
Adam Shaw hears the good, the bad and the ugly tales from those working within the industry and he finds out how people can make the gig economy work for them.
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk with your experiences or questions for the panel.
Guests:
Nye Cominetti, economic analyst at the Resolution Foundation Max Dewhurst, courier and IWGB unionist Andy Chamberlain, Deputy Director of Policy and External Affairs at the IPSE.
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Four students studying at Durham University received a surprise bill for Council Tax. They were billed hundreds of pounds for a period when no-one was living in the property over the summer. After Money Box got in touch, the council looked again at it and concluded that the request for payment was made in error. The charge has now been cancelled. It also reviewed their council tax records for 2019/20 and found no other cases of students being asked to pay. We speak to the editor of the Council Tax Handbook.
Police forces across the UK have seen a recent spike in cases of what is called courier fraud. Criminals persuade older people to take cash out of the bank and then give it to a courier to keep it safe. What can potential victims do to avoid being scammed?
Earlier this year we looked at the history of financial mistakes. We asked listeners to get in touch with their biggest financial mistakes. A number of people told us theirs was buying a flat with Grenfell-style cladding and then being billed tens of thousands of pounds for its removal. We hear from people in this position.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
For many young people buying a home can seem like an impossible dream. High property prices, no way of saving for a big deposit and worries about paying for a hefty mortgage. But it's not all doom and gloom. Plenty of people are buying their first homes and the programme will hear from some of them. There are some cautionary tales though and we'll hear about those too.
Felicity Hannah is joined by - Kate Faulkner, property market analyst and commentator, Ella Cheney, shared ownership programme manager at the National Housing Federation and BBC journalist Thea de Gallier who focuses on housing issues.
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
Council tenants on Universal Credit are much more likely to be in rent arrears than those who don’t get the benefit. That’s according to research carried out by Money Box. We surveyed local authorities for 12 of the largest cities across Britain and found tens of thousands of people having to manage this debt. The numbers also suggest not only are people on the benefit more likely to be in arrears, but they’re likely to owe much more too. We find out why.
Proposals about how to reform leasehold laws in England and Wales have been described as 'nothing more than tinkering' by campaigners. We speak to Professor Nick Hopkins the member of the Law Commission responsible for this report.
And foreign exchange company Travelex is still closed for business after a ransom attack eleven days ago. We find out what this means for its customers.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Howard Mustoe Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The world of the influencer is a lucrative one. Online stars made $8bn in 2019 and it's not just household names that are earning money. Louise Cooper and her guests explain how you can make money from your social media presence.
Louise talks to -
Beckii Cruel who posted videos of herself dancing to Japanese pop music in the late 2000's and ended up 120,000 subscribers to her Youtube channel.
Sara McCorquodale who has written a book (Influence) about the rise of the social media influencer and runs her own influencer marketing agency Corq.
Kate McCabe who turned to social media when she lost her job a couple of years ago and now posts videos of her spotting bargains at car boot sales and antique
Mike Parkes from Go Simple Tax who explains how influencers - whose remuneration comes in the shape of income, gifts and experiences - should complete their tax returns.
Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon
History is littered with tales of financial error – many instantly familiar even though they may have taken place several centuries apart.
Why do we keep on making the same mistakes with our money and what can we do to stop making them?
Paul Lewis discusses with Russell Napier, the Keeper of Edinburgh's Library of Mistakes, Prof Nicky Marsh who is writing a book on the history of financial advice and Dr Joe Gladstone from UCL's School of Management who helps people make better behavioural choices with their money.
Picture: General Gregor Macgregor - Scottish soldier, adventurer and confidence trickster.
Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends.
You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while.
Earlier this year Ruth Alexander introduced ‘The Money Clinic’. In this special Money Box series we eavesdropped on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learnt about their relationship with each other and how money impacted on their relationships, as well as hearing how they managed the emotional side of money. We learnt that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about it are often about much more than just money.
In this programme we catch up with two households and hear what impact the Money Clinic had on their relationship with money.
If you have a money and relationship issue you would like to share, email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
The Government has accepted all but one of the recommendations made by Sir Amyas Morse in his review of the controversial 'loan charge'. This means that 11,000 people will be let off paying money to HMRC. They had signed up to schemes that paid part of their salary as a loan. Promoters of the scheme had told them that meant they were not liable to income tax but had ended up receiving bills for thousands of pounds retrospectively.
Financial advisers are not happy with changes the regulator has made to how you check if a financial adviser is registered.
And the best way to gift money to children at Christmas.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworh Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
From a housing cooperative near the city, to an organic farm in the sticks, communal living can vary enormously. So what are the financial pros and cons of a shared lifestyle? Adam Shaw visits a co-housing scheme in Leeds where residents enjoy the privacy of their own home, whilst sharing meals, cars and mortgage costs. How much can they save on their monthly bills and what are the downsides of living together with your neighbours?
If you have experience of communal living - whether a hippy commune, a co-housing scheme or even a student housing cooperative - do get in touch and share your stories. You can email moneybox@bbc.co.uk any time, or tweet @moneybox. Or call 03700 100 444. Lines open from 1pm on Wednesday 18 December.
Guests: Chris Coates, an editor at Diggers and Dreamers, a website offering information about communal living Angela Vincent, from the UK Cohousing Network
It's been described as a "David and Goliath" contest. Hundreds of leasehold home owners have joined together - for the first time - to begin a legal fight to take control of the freehold on their properties. They want investment companies, which bought the freeholds, to sell them for a fair price.
Renovare is a new 'banking solution' for ex-offenders, charging £7.99 a month for its services. We speak to Chief Executive David Bright about their funding model.
And now we know Brexit will happen, what do we know it will mean for your consumer rights and personal finances?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Over 90% of all new car purchases are made using some form of finance. And yet research suggests the vast majority of buyers don't understand the contracts they're signing. If you're the proud driver of a shiny new motor, how much of the small print did you read before leaving the showroom? Do you know what are your obligations if you become ill soon after getting your car? And how important is the amount of mileage you expect to do in a year? Whether it’s a hire purchase agreement, a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or a straight leasing contract, what are your rights and what can you do if things go wrong? Join Louise Cooper and her panel of experts as they look under the bonnet of car finance deals.
Guests: Stuart Masson, Editor, The Car Expert Adrian Dally, Head of Motor Finance at Finance and Leasing Association
If you'd like to share your stories or experiences, contact the Money Box team. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday 11 December. Or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
For many households, Christmas is the most expensive time of year. Food, drink, presents - the list of things to spend money on can be endless. Many of us will be using debt as a way to make that spending happen. Figures this week show that there is so much unmanageable and unsustainable debt in the UK that just the fees and charges on it all work out at nearly £1000 for every single adult in the UK.
People who are second cardholders on a Nationwide credit card account are being prevented from making online purchases because of new customer identity checks. These checks are being phased in under new European regulations which insist on a second line of identification when we buy things online. It's called 'Strong Customer Authentication'. Usually that means a six digit code is sent by text to your mobile to enter online but for certain accounts with more than one card holder, these texts are only going to the primary account holder.
Investors in one of the UK's biggest commercial property funds run by M&G have been temporarily prevented from taking out their money. The fund owns offices, and shopping centres and whole High Streets of retail units. They have been having a difficult time with many going bust or demanding rent cuts to stay in business. But what does this mean for investors - those invested directly and indirectly via a pension fund?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
How much financial support is available for foster carers looking after children in need?
Around 65,000 children live with foster families across the UK. Foster carers provide a safe and stable place for them to live when they can't live with their families. It may be for a few days or even for their entire childhood. But as a foster carer, what help is there if your finances don’t cover the bills and the extras needed?
Paul Lewis and a panel of experts will be taking your calls and hearing your experiences of fostering.
Guests: Jackie Sanders, Fostering Network Harvey Gallagher, Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers Paul Kind, Professor of Health Outcome Measurement, Leeds University
If you'd like to share your stories, contact the Money Box team. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday 4 December. Or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
With fewer than two weeks to go until the 2019 General Election, Money Box takes a personal finance look at the manifesto pledges of the four main parties. Among the subjects covered are issues like workers’ rights, benefits and taxes. Hear the Chancellor, the shadow Chancellor, as well as Liberal Democrat and SNP spokesmen on finance, talk through their promises and how they’d bring about the changes they want to see.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers: Eleanor Briggs, Dan Whitworth and Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
What can and can't bailiffs do when they knock on your door to collect a debt? What happens if it's not your debt, or you've paid it off already? And can you refuse them entry?
Louise Cooper is joined by Matt Hartley from Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline and Business Debtline; by Russell Hamblin-Boone, CEO, Civil Enforcement Association, the trade association representing civil enforcement agencies (bailiffs) and by Mike Holmyard from Citizens Advice Scotland.
If you'd like to share your stories, contact the Money Box team. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Money Box has learned that an increasing number of families who bought new build freehold homes are finding a few years later find they cannot sell them. It's down to the annual charges made to pay for things like maintenance of roads, streetlights, and parks. In many cases the local council will not take on these costs so, through a management company, developers impose a so-called rentcharge on the houses to cover these expenses. Legally this means that the management company can take possession of a property if the homeowner gets 40 days behind with their payments - something mortgage lenders don't like.
Every year more than 4000 people reach state pension age - but do not qualify for a state pension. Many of them are self-employed and may have paid thousands of pounds a year in National Insurance contributions - but not the right sort of contributions to qualify for a pension. We speak to someone in that situation.
When you buy a meal do you leave a tip? Around one in eight of us never does. Perhaps because we carry less cash or because we're not quite sure what happens to the tip we leave. Do the waiters really get the money? Or is it taken by the managers to meet their costs?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Andrew Smith
From comic books to Dinky Toys, costume jewellery to milk bottles, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to collecting. But where should you buy and how to be sure you’re getting a good price, whether you're buying or selling?
Paul Lewis is joined by Roo Irvine from Kilcreggan Antiques shop in Argyle and Bute. She's also an expert on BBC's Antiques Roadtrip and Bargain Hunt. Also on the panel is vintage toy collector, Lawrence Lambert, valuer on BBC TV’s Cash in the Attic.
If you'd like to share your stories, contact the Money Box team. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
The UK's banks haven't been able to agree who should pay compensation to customers who have had money fraudulently stolen from their bank accounts. Until last May the banks routinely refused to refund these customers. A new Code promised that all innocent customers would be reimbursed from 28 May but that runs out at the end of next month. We speak to Tom Blomfield boss of Monzo, one of the biggest online-only banks.
Can technology be used to make it easier and cheaper for people to borrow money - especially those who use expensive short term credit or have poor credit ratings? That was the starting point for the Affordable Credit Challenge which was launched in July to make loans not only more affordable but also more available to low income households. We find out about the solutions that have made it onto the shortlist.
A few weeks ago we were contacted by a listener who had suggested to his daughter and son aged 19 and 18 that they start a pension. But they told him "it was a bonkers idea". But could they be persuaded it was in fact something worth considering?
And the joke bank notes that made their way into circulation: who bears the cost when they’re discovered not to be legal tender?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
What are the career options available for 16 year-olds today and what are the financial implications? Whether it's college, some paid work or getting an apprenticeship, how will your money issues change if you leave school and pursue other choices?
Presenter: Adam Shaw Guests: Billy Sexton, All About School Leavers Erin Bartley, Careers adviser with Skills Development Scotland Tom Stenner-Evans, Partner, Michelmores
People who put money into a UK-wide hotel room investment scheme have been told they’re likely to have lost their money. Northern Powerhouse Developments tempted more than a thousand people to buy hotel rooms in tourist hotspots across England and Wales. Investors were told their money would earn them 10% a year and also be used to refurbish the hotels that had been bought. But, four years since it began to attract investors, the company behind the scheme is bust and the hotels are up for sale. BBC Wales reporter Kayley Thomas has been investigating.
Three small energy suppliers owe the regulator more than £2 million between them because they have not obtained enough energy from renewable sources. This so-called renewable obligation is run by the regulator Ofgem to make sure that energy suppliers source enough of their energy as 'green'. We discuss the significance of this.
Rising housing costs and inflexible tenancies are forcing young couples to live together long after their relationship has ended, sometimes sharing a room or even a bed. One survey of 2000 people found that one in six of us have lived with an ex-partner at some time. But is there anything you can do to ease the financial pain?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Could you save enough of your income and budget so tightly that you can afford to retire in your thirties or forties? A US movement called FIRE – Financial Independence Retire Early – encourages millennials to stash enough cash to quit their job early and still live well. But how does it work? And do you have to be on a massive salary to make it a reality? With interest rates at historic lows, where can you invest for a decent return? What happens if you're a low-income earner? And what sacrifices must you make to achieve retirement before you reach fifty?
Louise Cooper will be joined by Barney Whiter, one of the UK's biggest ‘FIRE’ bloggers and Claer Barrett, Editor of FT Money
Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday 6 November 2019. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
In amongst this week's political upheaval, a date was set for opposite-sex civil partnerships to become law. The first ceremonies will take place on December 31 2019. So what impact could this have on your financial health?
Money Box has been hearing from disgruntled clients of a claims management firm demanding money from some customers years after they thought their claims were closed. Ben Carter has been investigating.
Earlier this week the regulator relaxed mortgage affordability barriers with the aim to help an estimated 150,000 home owners trapped in high cost loans and not able to switch to a better deal. The FCA estimates the measures may only help as few as 2000, leaving the rest still stuck.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Our expert panel take a look at the problems around mental health and money. From how to make your benefits work better for you, talking with banks and how to avoid the complications that can come from periods of poor mental health.
You can call Money Box Live 03 700 100 444. Or email us moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox.
Panel- Anne Riddle from the Bridge Money Advisory Service in Stoke-on-Trent Helen Undy from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Ayaz Manji from Mind
The payday lender QuickQuid has entered administration. It follows an earlier announcement of plans to close its business in the UK where it was the largest firm of its type. It's owned by the US-based company Enova which gave "regulatory uncertainty" as the reason for departure. What does this mean for existing borrowers and also for customers awaiting compensation for loans they say they should never have had because there's no way they could afford to repay them? Guest: Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert.
Money Box listener Elaine reveals how her 18-year-old son was bullied into becoming a money mule, which saw him laundering cash from criminal activities through his personal bank account. Guest: Detective Sargeant Marc Cananur from the Kent Police Economic Crime Unit.
An expensive plumber's bill - but not the sort you might be thinking of. Murray Menzies paid into a pension scheme for his employees and now faces a £1.2m bill triggered by his decision to retire and close down the small family firm. Guest Katie Banks, Partner at Hogan Lovells and Chair of the Association of Pension Lawyers.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Bridget Harney
You might think of comedians as up on a stage in a pub, but that's just one part of what the job entails today.
Social media, streaming services and stadium tours have changed the game. Instead of doing gigs to get on TV, you do TV to get people to your gig!
We'll look at how to start out and deal with cash and card readers, how to navigate online streaming and how you can get a mortgage while still telling jokes for a living.
The panel are-
Charlie Dinkin, comedian,director and writer
Tiernan Douieb, a stand-up perfomer and podcast presenter
Sarah Fox Clinch, a mortgage specialist for comedians at Fox Davidson
David Coppard, Head of Media and Entertainment at accountancy firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson
This week the decision was made to wind down the funds managed by ‘star’ manager Neil Woodford. Listeners have been in touch wanting to know what this means for their money and if they will be able to claim compensation. We discuss with Mark Polson from The Lang Cat Financial Consultancy and Anna Sofat from Addidi Wealth.
The Financial Conduct Authority has announced plans to ban the way in which some car retailers receive commission based on the interest rate of the car finance loan they arrange. Good news for consumers?
And we speak to a company that allows employees to award themselves a pay increase.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Do you know what your credit score says about you? If you’ve had a breakup, make up, break down, spending spree or life shock in the last six years, your credit rating will have it recorded.
The majority of us don’t know what our credit score is and how these numbers are created. A good credit rating helps us access loans, mortgages or credit cards.
But could there be a better way of helping people access credit and see what they can really afford to borrow?
Our panel of experts will help you find out what your score says about you, how to get a better one and why workouts are required before you hit the bank not just the beach.
Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday (9/10/19). Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
In this programme we go undercover into the world of the mule, discovering how children as young as 13 are being groomed to hand over their bank account details to criminals. We reveal that some of the recruiters, known as herders, are also teenagers. The accounts are then used to launder the proceeds of crime.
Latest figures show that the number of accounts belonging to under 21's being used by money mules has doubled since 2016. Money mules and herders face a 14 year prison sentence if caught.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers: Tom Wright and Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Can I get a good return on investments that do good? Should you be letting your money speak rather than be out on the street? With £2.2 trillion in pension funds in the UK, do we really know what our money is doing and what it could be doing in the fight against climate change?
We have an expert panel on hand with both the science and finance knowledge to help you navigate what's called impact investing.
Mike Thompson - Committee on Climate Change Charlene Cranny - UK Sustainable Investment Fund Mary Stevens - Friends of The Earth
Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday (9/10/19). Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Competition in the home and insurance market is not working and loyal customers are being penalised, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA estimates that six million people pay on average £200 too much - totaling an overpayment of £1.2bn a year. We hear from Huw Evans the Director General of the Association of British Insurers and Matthew Upton, Director of Policy at Citizen's Advice.
Last week Money Box listener Sade emailed us saying she wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday by getting a credit card. So where should she begin? Helen Saxon from Money Saving Expert runs her through some of the options.
And why are so many freehold houses sold with covenants which restrict everything from what vehicle you can park in your drive to whether you can put up a satellite dish? One homeowner told us hers was "not worth the paper it's written on".
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Ever had the horror of running a cake stand? Do charity egg and spoon races haunt your dreams? Moneybox is looking to make you the Jeff Bezos of the the bake sale and make your fundraiser go further.
Parent Teacher Associations are changing, their roles and are now more important than ever. With budget cuts in schools and pressure for new technology the need for extra funding has never been greater.
Moneybox Live looks at how school fundraisers can maximise their money, bring in new volunteers, use charitable status to find new funding and adapt to the digital world.
Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by Carol Rogerson of PTA Plus magazine, Kerry Jane Packman from charity Parentkind and Susan Burton from start-up Classlist to answer listeners' questions.
Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
For decades, Stoke-on-Trent was powered by industry, with tens of thousands working in mining and pottery. But when the mines and factories closed, generations of people were left out of work. For some, not working became a culture that stuck.
But that's not the only reason why Stoke is the insolvency capital on England and Wales. The average wage in the area is £5,000 less than the national average, plus there are low levels of literacy, numeracy and IT skills. Poverty and poor health have helped reinforce financial exclusion, trapping many in a spiral of debt and deprivation which they can't get out of.
Now the North Staffordshire Financial Inclusion Group is on a five-year mission to eradicate Stoke's debt issues. It plans to work with schools to get personal finance on the curriculum and actively target people who are struggling.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Hazel Morgan and Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor Emma Rippon
How do student loans work, when do you start repaying them and what happens when it goes wrong? It can be very confusing for students and their parents alike so we are here to help. Our panel help answer your questions about tuition fees, maintenance loans and how it all works. One of the most common questions is whether parents should pay the fees upfront to avoid their child getting into 'huge debt'....the answer might surprise you.
Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Panel: Tom Allingham, Save the Student Hayley Borrett, National Association of Student Money Advisers financial capabilty champion
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Phoebe Keane
A Money Box investigation has discovered that tens of thousands of university students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been forced to pay back millions of pounds in overpaid maintenance loans. The Department for Education says any money owed due to overpayments by the Student Loans Company, should be taken back from students whilst they're still at university except in exceptional circumstances. This can leave them receiving little or no money for months at a time, with very little notice.
Binary options are a bet on whether the price of a commodity like gold or silver will be higher or lower at a certain time. The answer either 'yes' or 'no' and if you guess right you make money - if you are wrong you lose money. Earlier this year the FCA banned the sale, marketing and distribution of binary options to retail consumers as the potential for loss was so great - not to mention the possibility of fraud. So is there ever such a thing as a genuine binary option? And can you get your money back if you fall foul of a binary option scam?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Drew Miller Hyndman Producer: Dan Whitworth Editor: Emma Rippon
Have you been thinking about investing but have been put off by the jargon or fees? Do you think that investing is just for the rich, or that you have to have thousands spare to get started? Are you scared of risk, or do you think it seems like a man's game? Our panel explain the basics for first time investors.
Panel: Holly Mackay, Boring Money Anna Sofat, Addidi Wealth Anthony Morrow, Open Money
This week Big Issue sellers have started to accept contactless payments. As donations to good causes dwindle we find out how digital transactions are reshaping the way we donate.
Can 20 somethings who are making the minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions still have a comfortable retirement? A recent study found more than half of savers are confident that they will but experts are concerned that this confidence is misplaced. We crunch the numbers for a couple of volunteers to find out.
And we look at the impact of a project to reduce the cost of the school day on the lives of families in Scotland.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Bethan Head Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Whether you are a freelancer or working for a big company, talking about how much you're worth can be hard. Have you been too scared to ask for a pay rise? Have you asked but been rejected? Have you dodged negotiating your pay when offered a new position?
We take your calls and offer advice on how to have those tricky conversations.
Contact the Money Box team - email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox. Or call us from 1pm on Wednesday: 03 700 100 444 - geographic charges apply.
Join Louise Cooper and her expert panel: Catherine Davies from Pay Rise Accelerator Andrew Chamberlain, Deputy Director of Policy at IPSE Natalie Reynolds author of "We have a Deal" and founder of negotiation consultancy Advantage spring
Producer: Phoebe Keane Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates why a failed energy company is still sending bills to customers. Extra Energy ceased trading ten months ago. Last month former customer Diane received a letter demanding over £4,000 for supplying gas to her 2 bedroom home. Guest: Ellen Fraser, Energy Analyst at Baringa.
A savings account that pays a 50p bonus for every pound you save. Just imagine that. Well actually you don't have to because it exists. It's called a Help to Save Account, is backed by the government and was launched last year to encourage people on low incomes who claim certain benefits to save. The Treasury estimates that around 3.5million people could be eligible for the scheme, recent statistics from HMRC reveal only 132,000 accounts have been opened. Guest: Kelly Sizer, Senior Technical Manager, the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group.
Cara explains how she balances running her international online business with being a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Guest: Julian Hall, the founder of Ultra Education which teaches entrepreneurship in schools to 7 to 18 year-olds.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
Have you set up a new business after becoming a parent? What are the challenges and rewards? The number of mothers that are working for themselves has doubled in the last ten years according to IPSE, a society representing Professionals and the Self Employed. There are now almost 600,000 freelancing mothers across the UK. In addition, there are many mums who are running their own businesses and employing others. But challenges remain - lack of access to finance and an absence of role models can hold some women back from striking out on their own professionally. But the Government is hoping to boost the numbers of female entrepreneurs with initiatives including free business mentoring services. From e-commerce, to setting up a franchise, to spotting a gap in a market and making it a profitable business, Money Box wants to hear stories from entrepreneurial mothers and share their top tips.
Join Louise Cooper and expert panel.
Guests:
Entrepreneur Alison Cork – The Government's appointed Champion for Women Entrepreneurs and founder of The National Women’s Enterprise Network, helping women to set up their own businesses.
Ruby Peacock from the Federation of Small Businesses ‘Women in Enterprise’ team
Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
The number of mortgages approvals hit a two-year high in July, according to the Bank of England but approvals for first time buyer mortgages remained flat. We look at why it's happening, the problems for young house seekers, the deals that are out there and how to save for a deposit with the help of mortgage broker Rebecca Robertson, the Director of Evolution Financial Planning and first time buyer Ashley Agwuncha, who is also one third of money saving bloggers the Money Medics.
The charity Samaritans, which offers a listening ear to people in crisis, has entered into a partnership with betting company Paddy Power Betfair - and is being heavily criticised for it. Our reporter Dan Whitworth investigates their relationship. We also hear from John Myers, whose son Ryan had a gambling addiction and took his own life. And from Carolyn Harris, the Labour MP for Swansea East, who is chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm.
Nationwide has doubled the overdraft rate for some of its customers, and it's likely to be only the beginning of changes brought in by all banks and building societies - all part of what the regulator has described as the biggest overhaul of overdrafts for a generation. The changes are aimed at reducing the high cost of credit for some consumers and making it easier for everyone to compare, and perhaps switch between, different providers. But simpler does not always mean cheaper, as Money Box listener Cathy from Hertfordshire tells us. We also hear from debt campaigner and adviser Sara Williams, who runs the website, Debt Camel.
Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Paul Waters
Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends too.
You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while.
In the Money Box Summer series Ruth Alexander introduces ‘The Money Clinic’. We eavesdrop on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learn who they are, about their relationship with the other person, and what financial issues are coming between them. We hear practical tips on how each couple can better to manage their cash, and also how to manage the emotional side of money. We learn that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about money are often about so much more than just money.
In this programme we meet Paul who wants to retire early, but his wife Julie says he can’t afford to. Can they come up with a plan for this next stage of life that they will both agree to?
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends too. You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while.
In the Money Box Summer series Ruth Alexander introduces ‘The Money Clinic’. We eavesdrop on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learn who they are, about their relationship with the other person, and what financial issues are coming between them. We hear practical tips on how each couple can better to manage their cash, and also how to manage the emotional side of money. We learn that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about money are often about so much more than just money.
In this programme, 20-somethings, Ben and Fay, have just moved in together. It’s an exciting time, but their arguments about money are getting them down. Can they learn to see eye-to-eye?
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends too. You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while.
In the Money Box Summer series Ruth Alexander introduces ‘The Money Clinic’. We eavesdrop on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learn who they are, about their relationship with the other person, and what financial issues are coming between them. We hear practical tips on how each couple can better to manage their cash, and also how to manage the emotional side of money. We learn that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about money are often about so much more than just money.
In this programme we meet Fiona, who is frustrated by her son James’ feckless attitude towards money. He’s 20-years-old but she feels like he sometimes acts like a two-year-old. How can she get him to change his ways?
Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends too.
You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while.
In the Money Box summer series Ruth Alexander introduces ‘The Money Clinic’. We eavesdrop on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learn who they are, about their relationship with the other person, and what financial issues are coming between them. We hear practical tips on how each couple can better to manage their cash, and also how to manage the emotional side of money. We learn that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about money are often about so much more than just money.
In this programme we meet Cliff and Poppy who own a cafe together but their financial mind-sets are miles apart. He’s a ‘maverick’ with money, while she’s intensely frugal. Can they find a middle ground? Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon
There are nearly 14 million disabled people in the UK and a report from Scope has found they have to pay an average of £583 every month to have the same living standards as someone without a disability. Inevitably, the costs of mobility aids and having to use certain public transport will add to the monthly outgoing. But what are some of the less obvious, or hidden, costs of having a disability? How does it all add up? And what can be done to mitigate these costs?
Presenter Lee Kumutat and our guests discuss these questions and more as we hear from disabled people and their parents about how their disabilities cost them extra money, limits their access to financial institutions, and holds them back from independence. in this Money Box Live special we won't be taking calls in the programme but would still love to hear your thoughts and experiences which you can email to moneybox@bbc.co.uk.
Guests: Jessica Leigh, Policy and Campaigns manager at Scope Dr Miro Griffiths, Teaching Fellow in Disability Studies at the University of Leeds Helen Undy, Chief Executive of Money and Mental Health
Presenter: Lee Kumutat Producer: Drew Miller Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon
Imogen is 21-years-old. She's also invisible – financially. Despite renting for 2 years, working and paying her bills on time the credit agencies she's contacted won’t let her see her credit record because her "identity can’t be verified." What does that mean and what can Imogen do? Guests Imogen and James Jones, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian.
Dan Whitworth reports on a woman's 20 month fight to retrieve £14,000 of her deceased mother’s savings. The money was taken via two direct debits fraudulently set up during the final 4 years of her mother's life when she’d been diagnosed with dementia. The fight to reclaim the cash only ended after Money Box stepped in. Guest: Veronica Gray, Director of Action on Elder Abuse, Northern Ireland.
If you’ve been so unsettled by that tv ad with the animatronic head of Arnie Schwarzenegger that you can't take in any of the words, you may have missed the central message – August 29th is the deadline to make a payment protection insurance claim. Guest: Emma Stranack, the FCA's PPI deadline campaign lead.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Andrew Smith
Adam Shaw and guests discuss the new rules about fees, deposits, requirements for landlords to keep their property habitable and plans to change eviction law. To join the conversation call 03700 100 444 from 1pm – 3.30pm on Wednesday 24 July, email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox.
Plus Adam visits the UKs largest Build to Rent scheme to find out what the concept offers tenants.
On the panel
Richard Lambert, Chief Executive, National Landlords Association Greame Brown, Director, Shelter Scotland Jennifer Phillips, Law Society Housing Law Committee
We’d love to hear your views, questions and experiences so get in touch.
Money Box listener Gary takes reporter Dan Whitworth on a guided tour of electric car charging points in Swindon to illustrate the complexities of navigating the system and the associated costs. Guest: David Newton, CEO of BP Chargemaster, the UK's largest electric charging network.
Laura would love to be a homeowner. She regularly enters raffles and competitions in the hope of winning a house. Richard Williams, a solicitor specialising in gambling law, explains why and how home competitions can go wrong.
The Residential Landlords Association and campaign group Generation Rent debate findings from the RLA’s survey on government plans to abolish section 21 notices in England and Wales. Section 21 allows a landlord to evict tenants without a reason and with just 2 months notice. Guests: Georgie Lammy, Campaigns Lead, Generation Rent and John Stewart Policy Manager, Residential Landlords Association.
More people have been included in a scheme set up by HSBC to compensate people who paid unreasonable debt collection charges. Those affected were customers with loans, credit cards, or store cards with either HFC Bank Ltd or John Lewis Financial Services between 2003 and 2009. Both of those firms are now part of HSBC which told Money Box "We believe we have identified all those affected who may have paid a Debt Collection Charge between 2003 and 2009, and have or will shortly be writing to them. If someone believes they paid a Debt Collection Charge and we haven’t contacted them, they can call us to discuss on 0345 585 7564.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
Share your experiences and tips for meeting the extra costs of the school holidays. Call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 17 July (standard network charges apply) or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
Whether you're working and need to find the money for extra childcare costs or you're looking for ways to entertain your children on a low income, we'd love to hear your stories and solutions on Wednesday’s Money Box Live.
Joining presenter Louise Cooper are:
Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare Greta Defeyter, Director of the Healthy Living Lab at Northumbria University Ema Wilkes, Chief Executive, Neo Community
Louise visited the Notting Hill Adventure Playground.
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producers: Diane Richardson and Khadidja Ndiaye Editor: Emma Rippon
Money Box's Drew Miller Hyndman has been to Southampton where this week TSB Bank held the latest in a series of in-branch sessions aimed at educating people on how to avoid becoming victims of financial fraud. Guest: Ashley Hart, Head of Fraud for TSB.
Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson have both set out their tax plans should they become Prime Minister. Carl Emmerson, Deputy Director of the Institute For Fiscal Studies compares, contrasts and costs the policies.
Gaps in the money management skills of children who are in, or young people who have left, care in England is the focus of a new report. It follows an inquiry by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People. Ralph who went into care when he was 14 shares his perspective on the issue. Guest: Sam Turner, Voice and Influencing Manager at Become, a charity for children in care and young care leavers.
July 31st is the deadline to renew tax credits. If you already claim them what do you have to do and if you don’t – could you? Guest Victoria Todd Head of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group team.
Reporter: Drew Miller Hyndman Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
Adam Shaw and guests discuss the costs and considerations of driving an electric car. To join the conversation call 03700 100 444 from 1pm – 3.30pm on Wednesday 10 July, email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox. We’d love to hear your views, questions and experiences.
On the panel:
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder of Zap-Map and Next Green Car Claire Evans Consumer editor, Autocar and What Car? Anders Nilsson, GoCompare
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Prepaid cards are continuing to increase in popularity, often as an alternative to a bank account. In many cases they are advertised as ‘no paper work, no fuss’ but Money Box hear's that's not always the case.
A growing number of credit unions are offering loans which are repaid directly by child benefit payments to try to stop people getting into a cycle of expensive debt. Felicity Hannah reports on how they work in practice.
Why people who live in parts of Scotland are being charged extra for online delivery charges and how Office of Tax simplification plans to simplify inheritance tax.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Who will take care of your finances and welfare if you no longer can? Putting in place a Power of Attorney - what ever your age - allows one or more trusted people to manage your money and personal needs if and when you need help, such as dealing with your bank, paying your bills or arranging personal care.
There are many aspects to consider such as who to appoint, what responsibilities they will have and whether you want to place restrictions on the decisions which can be made on your behalf or set out specific wishes in advance.
Perhaps you have one but are having difficulty using it or you're concerned that a relatives finances are being managed badly?
Who can help if a relative or friend has already lost mental capacity but doesn't have a power of attorney in place?
Whether you're thinking of setting up a power of attorney or want to share your views and experiences of using one we'd love to hear from you.
Presenter Paul Lewis will be joined by:
Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland Samantha Buckthought, Partner, Wolferstans & Panel Deputy for the Court of Protection Katie Evans, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
Call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 3 July (standard network charges apply) or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now.
Tens of thousands of people are using two new apps which let them access their wages as they earn them. With no more waiting around for monthly pay days is this new tech helping people’s financial health or putting them at more risk of going into debt?
Some of the people who lost money with the collapsed investment firm London Capital and Finance have been given a glimmer of hope they may be eligible for compensation. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme says some people may have been given advice about investing which would mean they could make a claim to get some, or all, of their money back. We hear the latest from the administrators and those who could benefit and those who are worried they might miss out.
Counting down to the end of a five year loan agreement, one small business couldn’t wait to make the last payment. But the owners didn’t read the small print. It said they needed to give three month’s notice before they could stop paying the loan. We speak to a contract law specialist to see what people should do to avoid any similar nasty surprises.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Louise Cooper and guests look at the volatile world of investing in digital currencies. Call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 June or e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now with your experiences and questions.
Joining Louise are:
Marc Warne, Founder, Bittylicious Jemima Kelly, reporter, FT Alphaville Dave Jevans, CEO, CipherTrace
Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon
Complaints about the loans used to buy cars have trebled in three years - 50% up in the last year alone. A million new cars were sold to individuals in 2018 - more than nine out of ten on finance. We borrowed £45 billion to buy new and used cars last year. The size and growth of this finance has caused the Bank of England to express concerns and in November the Financial Conduct Authority was so worried it published new rules about how that credit was sold. We look at how well our ability to repay is being assessed.
Small businesses and the self-employed who pay VAT will have to make big changes to how the submit their information to HMRC over the next few months. It's all part of Making Tax Digital where quarterly figures must be submitted using approved software rather than just entering them manually on the HMRC website. Some large firms who already make accountancy packages are telling customers they must sign up for new and often expensive upgrades but do they really need to?
Nearly seven in ten people seeking advice were advised to transfer out of their guaranteed final salary pension and invest the money into a riskier pension fund. That's according to data released by the Financial Conduct Authority this week, collected over the last three and a half years. It says for most people that is bad advice - is it time for stricter controls on pensions transfers?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Childcare in the UK is amongst the most expensive in the world – and prices keep rising. For some families, nursery fees cost more than the monthly mortgage. Whether you are looking at nurseries or childminders for your pre-school children what financial help is available to reduce costs? What is tax-free childcare and how does it work? Who is eligible for 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare a week – and what help can you get to pay for childcare if you’re on Universal Credit? We'll explore the options available to parents wanting to give their child the best start in life.
Adam Shaw and a panel of guests will be taking your calls, emails and tweets. Do get in touch. Call 03700 100 444 – lines open at 1300 on Wednesday 19 June; email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox
Guests: Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare Charlotte McDonough, UK Policy advisor, Save the Children Neil Hill, Money expert, Money Advice Service
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sally Abrahams
An inquiry has been launched into the potential mis-selling of leasehold properties. The Competition and Market Authority are aiming to shed light on potential misleading practice and unfair terms to better protect people buying a home in the future. What difference could it make to the lives of many whose homes have become unsellable?
We speak to some of the British Steel workers persuaded to transfer out of their final salary pension schemes by rogue advisers. This week the Financial Conduct Authority visited Port Talbot to answer some of their questions.
Earlier this month, the Equity Income Fund run by fund manager Neil Woodford suspended withdrawals by its investors. We hear from a listener whose money became trapped in the fund despite requesting a withdrawal more than 72 hours before the fund was frozen.
And after the BBC announced this week that many over-75's would have to start paying for their licence fee, we find out who will still be able to get it free.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
For years we've rented carpet cleaners or hired a dinner jacket for a wedding. But now we're beginning to rent all sorts of other things too. Furniture., toys, even outfits for a work do. Money Box Live looks at the increasingly popular option of renting stuff rather than owning it. What can you borrow and what the pros and cons of doing so? We visit the Library of Things in south London where you can rent a tent, a waffle maker or even a ukulele. Will borrowing not buying help save the planet?
Guests: Emily Gordon-Smith Director of Consumer Products at Stylus Martyn James, Consumer rights expert at Resolver
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Sally Abrahams
Millions of people need financial advice but don't get it according to a damning report out this week. It's called the 'advice gap' and includes people who need advice about investment or pensions but can't afford professional advice and people who need free advice on a variety of money matters but don't know where to get it. We discuss how to make financial advice more accessible to everyone.
Banks have until April next year to implement major changes on overdraft charges. The fees from overdrafts bring in nearly two and a half billion pounds a year and they are mainly paid by a small number of customers who are in debt or vulnerable. The Financial Conduct Authority say it will be the biggest shakeup of overdraft fees in a generation, others aren't so impressed.
Over 9000 students in higher education are estranged from their families, without the safety net of the bank of Mum or Dad if things go wrong. Estrangement charity Stand Alone has found that financial and other pressures mean they're three times more likely to drop out before their course finishes than other students.
The Scottish Government have launched a brand new benefit for low income families. We found out how it works.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Credit unions are financial not-for-profit co-operatives run by their members which offer a range of saving accounts and loans. Around 2 million people in the UK belong to one. In order to join people must have something in common with other members such as living or working in the same area or having the same occupation.
The work that credit unions do with those who are excluded from mainstream financial services has led to the perception that they are a "poor man's bank" but this isn't the whole story. Paul Lewis talks to Robert Kelly, Chief Executive of the Association of British Credit Unions, and Dr Paul A. Jones, Head of the Research Unit for Financial Inclusion at Liverpool John Moores University, about how credit unions are adapting in the age of fast digital banking
With contributions from Teresa Manning, Chief Executive of Clockwise Credit Union and Professor Sharon Collard Research Director of the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol.
If you have a credit union related question for the panel you can call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 5th June or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
Letting agencies can no longer charge tenants fees when they rent a property. They've already been banned in Scotland and now England is following suit. They can be pretty hefty - for example £500 for a credit check, £200 to check out of the property. These fees account for £700m a year and account for a fifth of agencies turnover. So is this a win win for tenants or will the ban have unintended consequences?
When it comes to elderly or vulnerable loved ones, family and friends often rely on other people to help manage their day to day lives, including going shopping, paying bills, helping them look after their money. Many elderly people fall victim to financial abuse. We speak to Action on Elder Abuse about what you can do to try to stop this from happening.
And this week a major change began which should mean that victims of bank fraud are reimbursed for their losses in almost every case. But it only applies to frauds committed from last Tuesday, May 28th. So what can be done about the estimated £1bn of money people have had stolen before this code was introduced?
Plus we find out more about TSB's 'fraud guarantee'.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editors: Richard Knight + Richard Vadon
Music streaming is big business. But how do the various providers differ and how do their payment models work - for consumers and musicians? We'll hear from grime artist Chiedu Oraka, Alice Enders from Enders Analysis and from Chris Cooke who is head of Music at CMU Insights, a music business consultancy.
If you have a question for the panel or want to share your experience call us on 03700 100 444 between 1pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday 29nd May. (Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.) Or send an email before then to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Paul Waters
New safeguards for victims of bank fraud come into effect from Tuesday. Over 350 million pounds was stolen from accounts last year through what's called Authorised Push Payment Fraud - that happens when a person is tricked into transferring money into a fraudster's account. Often the banks have refused to refund victims but now they will have to.
Figures released this week by StepChange - one of the UK's largest debt charities - show a big rise in the amount of debt relief orders in England and Wales. But what is a debt relief order and why are they at a four year high?
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that a ban on online borrowing between 11pm and 7am could protect consumers and are calling for the introduction of 'credit curfews'.
And when a Money Box listener's partner died suddenly just days after they had taken delivery of a new car she could no longer afford the repayments. But the finance company initially told her it would cost tens of thousands of pounds to get out of the contract. We speak car finance with a consumer contract lawyer.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Crowdfunding involves asking a lot of people for typically small amounts of money. It's done online as a way of financing businesses, individuals, charities or the development of ideas. There are different ways to do it including making a donation, giving money in return for shares in a business, providing a loan or receiving a reward linked to the fundraising project in return for your cash.
Joining Adam Shaw to discuss the rules, risks and potential rewards of crowdfunding are Gerald Oppenheim Chief Executive for the Fundraising Regulator, Jes Bailey Founder and Consultant with Crowdfund 360 and Bruce Davis, Director of the UK Crowdfunding Association and also Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Abundance Investment.
If you have a question for the panel or want to share your experience of crowdfunding as a donor or as a fundraiser call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 22nd May or send an email before then to moneybox@bbc.co.uk
Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon
At least two million people suffer domestic abuse in the UK each year. But domestic abuse is not always just physical. Taking control of a partner's money - financial abuse - is often part of controlling someone. This week a new advice service has been launched aimed at people who work in banks and building societies to help them spot the signs of economic abuse among their customers and encourage them to offer practical help when they do.
Metro Bank is pronounced 'safe' by the Bank of England. But what would happen to customers if another bank did go bust?
Some businesses have been trying out shortening the working week from the five days which most full timers work to four but with no loss of pay. Could this leave workers feeling less stressed, more productive and striking a better work/life balance? Or would it pile more pressure onto an already stressed workforce?
And what to do if you're pursued for a debt that is not yours.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Looking for and finding a job following a long career break can be difficult and demoralising. There are various reasons for extended career breaks including redundancy, divorce or family commitments. What help is available for returners and how can employers do more to recruit them?
Adam Shaw and a panel of guests are ready to hear your questions and experiences and provide practical help. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 15th May. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Guests: Emily Andrews, Senior Evidence Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, Stephanie Dillon, Founder of Inclusivity Partners and Sarah Chilton, Partner with specialist employment lawyers CM Murray.
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Andrew Smith
Ben Wallace MP, Minister for Economic Fraud responds to criticism from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary about whether the government is "content to leave fraud at the back of the queue" given what damage it can do.
Dan Whitworth reports on a significant development for the former clients of collapsed mini-bond firm London Capital and Finance.
And the launch of a pilot scheme to tackle rent arrears and keep people away from high cost credit by allowing them to flex their monthly rent payments.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.
Free cash machines are disappearing across the UK at an 'alarming' rate according to Which? Two of the major private operators, Cardtronics and Notemachine, have introduced charges for nearly 1700 of their ATMS in the last few months, with more following soon. It's predicted that one in eight machines could soon charge us to take out our money. We hear from Tim Halford, managing director of Cardtronics who defends the charges.
Ofgem have scrapped a rule meaning energy suppliers must give customers 30 days notice of a price increase. Anthony Pygram Director of Conduct and Enforcement for the regulator tells us why.
And it's taken listener Alex Luke two and a half years to get her bank to repay all of the £180,000 stolen from her bank account by fraudsters three Christmases ago. We hear how she did it.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor Emma Rippon
Photo credit: Nidderdale Chamber of Trade
When you invest money do you care what it is used for? Would you avoid so called 'sin stocks' like tobacco, alcohol or gambling? Increasing numbers of people want to make sure their money is doing good - or at least as little harm as possible. But can you get a decent return from ethical investments? Paul Lewis and a panel of guests are taking your calls and queries about ethical investing.
Guests: Lisa Stonestreet, Head of Communications at the EIRIS Foundation Tanya Pein, independent financial adviser at In2 Planning and a Director of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association Peter Michaelis, Head of Sustainable Investment, Liontrust Asset Management
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Sally Abrahams
Tens of thousands of low paid workers will face losing a week's pay or more because the firm that employs them is changing its payroll system. The pay is, in theory, just being deferred. But in practice that deferral could last until they leave their job. What will this mean for its lowest paid staff?
This week a committee of MP’s heard evidence that the practice refusing to rent to people on benefits is widespread. The housing charity Shelter is calling for it to be banned but letting agents don't think this is the answer.
The long term winners and losers on Universal Credit and air source heat pumps - the Government pays you to generate your own green energy so why are they so rare?
Presenter : Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
As climate change protests continue, how can consumers cut carbon emissions and keep energy bills affordable? Can you be eco-friendly and stay within budget? What are the best green deals available? Share your tips for being more energy-efficient.
Adam Shaw and a panel of guests are ready to hear your renewable energy questions and experiences. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 24 April. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Guests: Audrey Gallagher, Energy UK Mark Todd, energyhelpline.com Peter Smith, National Energy Action
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sally Abrahams
Criminals fraudulently stole £1.2 billion last year from our bank accounts according to the industry body UK Finance.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg - the true scale of financial fraud is hard to put a figure on. As many as four out of five people who have been stung don't report it.
Fraud is an epidemic that’s seemingly out of control.
In this programme, Iona Bain asks why do we fall for fraudsters?
How do they manage to dupe us into hitting the transfer button on fraudulent transactions worth thousands of pounds? Can understanding this give us more of a fighting chance against them? And what’s the role of technology in all of this - both as a catalyst and as a possible cure?
Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon
Almost 8 million people live alone in the UK and numbers are rising. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show it's more expensive to be single, so what are the financial penalties if you're not a couple? Inevitably, household expenses are more costly when you're not sharing rent or mortgage payments, energy or water bills. But outside the home, there are many ways that singletons pay a premium - whether it's more expensive holidays, hotel rooms, train fares, car insurance or even theatre tickets.
On Money Box Live, we want to hear how you can cut the costs of being single. Apart from the 25% council tax discount, where else are singletons given a price reduction? And, with the number of one-person households expected to reach more than 10 million by 2039, should the government consider new policies to ease the financial burden?
Share your views and experiences with Louise Cooper and guests. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 17 April. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Guests: Professor Donald Hirsch, Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University Kara Gammell, personal finance journalist
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Sally Abrahams
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned parts of the general insurance industry that it "will not hesitate to intervene" in situations where firms fail to meet their obligations to customers. A report by the financial regulator examined short-term travel including coach trips, tradesman, GAP and motor ancillary insurance. It found some customers were sold inappropriate products, charged excessive prices or received poor service. Guests: Jonathan Davidson, Executive Director of Retail Supervision at the Financial Conduct Authority and Huw Evans, Director General of the Association of British Insurers.
Money Box listener Lola reveals how thieves tricked her caller ID into displaying her bank telephone number before stealing from her account. Guest: Richard Emery, Independent Fraud Investigator.
As Debenhams department store is taken over by its lenders as part of an administration process, what should customers with gift cards, wedding lists and insurance arranged via the store do? Guest: Adam French, Consumer Rights Expert for Which?
The price of wholesale energy has dropped sharply over the past two months. Could it eventually lead to lower bills for around 11 million households on default tariffs who are affected by Ofgem’s price cap? Guest Ellen Fraser, Independent Energy Consultant at Baringa.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
Are you saving into a pension at work? Has this happened automatically via auto enrolment? In just six years, this Government policy has encouraged ten million more people save into a pension. But not everyone is eligible to take part. So they get no employer contribution towards their retirement pot. People paid less than ten thousand pounds a year and the self-employed are currently excluded from the scheme. Paul Lewis and expert panel discuss the future of pension saving at work. How can more people be encouraged to save for their old age?
Guests: Laura Gardiner, Resolution Foundation Meredith McCammond, Low Income Tax Reform Group Will Sandbrook, Nest Insight Emma Heathcote-James, Federation of Small Businesses
Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call after one o'clock call 03 700 100 444.
The inconsistent manner in which police forces in England and Wales investigate reports of fraud is leaving victims 'confused and disillusioned.' That's one of the findings in a report by the watchdog Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. Money Box listener Emma lost her £25,000 new home deposit after criminals hacked emails between her and her solicitor in order to divert and steal the money. She feels let down by the police and her bank. Guest HM Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr.
What needs to happen for you to achieve the life you desire? How much money is enough money? Just a few of the questions likely to be asked by a lifestyle financial planner as they cashflow model your future. Julie Lord, Chief Executive of Magenta Financial Planning, explains what it involves.
A report from Gingerbread, the charity for single-parent families, highlights concerns over the operation of one of the Child Maintenance Support payment methods called Direct Pay where parents manage payments between themselves. Guest: Sumi Rabindrakumar who wrote the report for Gingerbread.
This week the Financial Conduct Authority issued a warning for people considering putting their cash into Innovative Finance ISAs (IFISAs). It says mini-bonds or peer-2-peer investments "may not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme so customers may lose the money invested or find it hard to get back." It follows the collapse of London Capital & Finance. More than 11,000 people invested £236m with the failed mini-bond provider.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
Have you had to cope with sorting out a loved one's financial affairs after they die? The process is called probate or 'confirmation' in Scotland. It's a complex process, involving getting documents from financial institutions, valuing assets and perhaps even selling a house. It all comes at a time when relatives or friends may be feeling at their most vulnerable. Fees to apply for the probate process in England and Wales are due to rise sharply in many cases, subject to Commons approval, in the spring.
Join Adam Shaw and expert panel to share your experiences of dealing with a loved one's financial affairs.
Guests
Helen Stewart, head of probate and partner at Thomson, Snell and Passmore Alan Barr, partner at Brodies and co-author of Drafting Wills in Scotland. Sarah Pennells, founder of financial website, Savvywoman.co.uk
Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth analyses the main findings from the administrators' report into London Capital & Finance. The high-risk mini-bond provider collapsed in January but not before it had taken £236m from 11,650 people. Many of them were first-time investors who thought their money was going into fixed rate ISAs. The cash they put in came from pensions, inheritances and life savings.
From April the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limit for regulated investments rises to £85,000 from the current £50,000. Guest Mark Neale, Chief Executive of the FSCS.
As this year’s Council Tax bills arrive, are you eligible to reduce yours with a discount, exemption or help from a Council Tax Reduction scheme? Guest: Caroline Siarkiewicz,, Director and debt advice expert at the Single Financial Guidance Body.
NHS consultant James Bailey explains how the annual allowance taper affects his finances and working life. The taper was introduced in 2016 and affects people with income over £150,000 including pension savings. For every £2 of income over £150,000, the annual allowance reduces by £1, to a minimum of £10,000 a year. If an individual’s income is less that £110,000 a year, excluding all pension savings, then the annual allowance taper doesn't apply. Guests: Josephine Cumbo Pensions Correspondent for the Financial Times and John Ralfe, an Independent Pensions Consultant.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier
A major change to the UK's tax system starts on April 1st. Is business ready for the VAT reporting shake-up? Making Tax Digital means businesses with an annual turn-over of more than £85,000 a year must file and submit their quarterly accounts using digital software which is compliant with the new system set up by HMRC. The Government says the initiative will increase the tax take. But small businesses have expressed concerns over the costs of upgrading software and getting to grips with the new system. Joining Louise Cooper are Theresa Middleton, Director of Making Tax Digital at HMRC and Anita Montheith, Technical Manager at The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Over 13 million smart meters have been installed in the UK. By the end of December next year gas and electricity suppliers will be expected to have taken "all reasonable steps" to roll them out to domestic and small business customers. One of those steps involves offering cheaper tariffs to customers - but only if they agree to have a smart meter installed. There's no legal requirement to have one so is it an unreasonable step too far? Guests: Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive at Energy UK and Joe Malinowski, founder of energyscanner.com
To what extent does the way we bank affect the way we spend, or don’t spend, our money? Guest: Abi Adams, Behavioural Economist at the University of Oxford.
The Serious Fraud Office has opened an investigation into individuals linked to London Capital & Finance. The failed high-risk mini-bond provider entered administration in January, but not before over 11,000 people had trusted it with £236m of their cash to invest in what they were told were fixed-rate ISAs. They now stand to get 20% of their money back at best.
Annuities are a retirement income product bought with some or all of your pension pot. The insurance and pension provider Prudential is currently transferring around 400,000 policy holders to Rothesay Life following the sale of its portfolio to the annuities specialist. Guest: Billy Burrows, Retirement Director at specialist pensions adviser Better Retirement who explains the underlying security behind annuities and how they are protected if the provider changes.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
The number of first-time buyers is up, says Chancellor Philip Hammond. Will it continue? If you've managed to buy your first property, how did you do it and what help did you get?
In his first budget speech for the new Labour government chancellor Gordon Brown announced the 1999 introduction of individual savings accounts. The idea was to encourage the habit of putting money away, especially those who had never saved before. Twenty years later, there are more types available. We look at non-cash ISAs with Mark Polson, Founder of The Lang Cat financial services consultancy.
Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth looks into warnings sent to the Financial Conduct Authority years before it took action against London Capital & Finance plc. LCF entered administration in January. By that time over 11,000 people had put £236m into high risk mini-bonds. At best they might only get around 20% of their original investment back.
Laura received a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions asking for £625 of benefits it had placed into the bank account of her deceased grandmother. Laura's only involvement was to register the death. There was no will and no executor. The few assets her grandmother had went towards meeting funeral costs. The DWP confirmed to Money Box that there's no legal obligation to return a benefit direct payment of this type and if the recovery letter it sends is ignored, it will not pursue the amount. It also confirmed there are no plans to reimburse Laura the £625 she struggled to raise to pay it. Guest: Adam Sym, Probate Executive, Stephensons Solicitors.
The exit fees charged by investors who want to move from their current online platform, and the difficulty many face in doing so, is the subject of the latest market study from the FCA. What might change for investors and do the proposals go far enough?
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, gives an update on the health of the UK economy. What will it mean for your household finances? A panel of experts will analyse what he says and we want to hear your assessment too. Are you cheered or concerned by the state of the nation's finances? And how will it affect the way you spend or save your hard-earned cash? Also, looking ahead to the new tax year, we'll discuss the tax cuts which begin in April and the outlook for our personal finances over the next twelve months.
Guests: Tina Riches, Chartered Institute of Taxation Michelle Cracknell, independent pensions consultant Jane King, independent mortgage adviser from Ash-Ridge Private Finance Shirley McIntosh, Head of tax for Scotland at RSM accountants and tax advisers
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Sally Abrahams
Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates the companies which marketed London Capital & Finance plc ('LCF') mini-bonds to investors, including on comparison websites. LCF entered administration in January, by then 11,000 bondholders had invested £236m of savings. The joint administrator to LCF, Finbarr O'Connell, also provides an update on efforts to determine how the investments of those 11,000 bondholders unravelled and whether they have any hope of getting any of their money back.
The cost of obtaining a death certificate in England and Wales recently increased from £4 to £11. People usually find, to their surprise, that they need to purchase multiple copies of certificates when alerting financial institutions or utility companies to a bereavement. Guest: Ian Bond Director and Head of Trusts and Estates at Talbots Law and chair of the Law Society's wills and equity committee.
Financial Independence, Retire Early or FIRE is a movement driven by the idea of extreme saving in order to fund an early retirement. How realistic is it? Guests: Kristian Danielson who is 27 and planning to retire before he's 40 and Nick Earl, Financial Planner at London Money where he specialises in investments and retirement planning.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
More than 11,000 young people aged 16-18 left local authority care last year. Many feel completely unprepared for the financial decisions they will have to make when they start living independently. What help is available to them and how much financial education are they given to help them navigate the complex world of rent, food bills, benefits and savings? Join Adam Shaw and a panel of guests. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 6 March. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply..
Guests: Leah Edwards, Head of services for care leavers and children in care, Wigan Council Sam Royston, The Children's Society Joe Shaw, young care leaver of the year 2018
Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sally Abrahams
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mel Stride speaks to Paul Lewis about the forthcoming loan charge. The measure, which comes into force in April, aims to stop disguised remuneration schemes which can be used for tax avoidance purposes.
People who have been tricked into authorising payments to bank accounts run by fraudsters stand a much better chance of being reimbursed in future. A new code has been published by the Payment Systems Regulator and agreed by the industry. It includes measures to do more to protect bank and buidling society customers from criminals including reimbursing them in all but exceptional circumstances. The code, which is voluntary, comes into effect on May 28th. Guest: Hannah Nixon, Managing Director, Payment Systems Regulator.
Money Box listener David Hardie runs a small printing business. He recently received a letter from HMRC informing him that from next month he must submit his VAT return digitally. It's part of the wider government Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative to shift people away from paper-based record keeping. The software used has to be MTD compatible so David is now paying for a new accounts program. Tim Woodgates, a tax adviser and chartered accountant with Moore Stephens, suggests ways in which small businesses can be MTD compliant while keeping costs down.
We hear a cautionary tale of what can happen when the terms and conditions of a guarantor loan are not scrutinised by the friend or relative being asked to pay off the debt if the original borrower defaults. Followed by Sara Williams, founder of the Debt Camel blog and Nick Beal Chief Regulatory and Public Affairs Officer at Amigo Loans in a wider discussion on guarantor loans.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
If you're a small business, how are you affected by clients who pay late or don't pay at all? The Federation of Small Businesses estimates that around 50,000 firms go bust each year because of cash flow problems mainly caused by late payments. This is also a problem that also affects many of the UK's 5 million self-employed who find themselves out of pocket because clients can't or won't pay. So what can you do to recover the money you're owed? And how can we change the culture of late payment?
Join Louise Cooper and a panel of guests with their own experience of poor payment practices and their solutions. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 27 February 2019. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Guests: Ailsa Fairchild, debt recovery manager, Girlings Solicitors Jess Pinhorn, specialist adviser, Business Debtline Paul Uppal, Small Business Commissioner Craig Beaumont, Federation of Small Businesses David Clarkson, credit controller, Wilmington plc
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Sally Abrahams
On April 6th the loan charge comes into force. It's an anti-tax avoidance measure which will enable HMRC to recover tax from disguised remuneration schemes which involved paying earnings back via a loan. Contractors, some of whom now face bills of hundreds of thousands of pounds, have told Money Box they were advised by their accountants to use these schemes, while others said they were told they would lose contracts without one. HMRC options for people in this situation are to repay the loans, settle the tax due or pay the loan charge in April which will apply to all loans made since 6 April 1999 if they are still outstanding. If a settlement has been agreed or is in progress with HMRC the charge will not apply. Guests: Andy Chamberlain, Deputy Director of Policy and External Affairs IPSE and Rebecca Benneyworth, Tax Lecturer and writer.
Money Box listeners have been in touch to ask "what happens to debts when you die?" Guest: Andy Shaw, debt advice co-ordinator with StepChange debt charity.
Margaret Snowdon, Chair of the Pension Scams Industry Group, discusses the findings of its pilot survey of three pension providers, who between them handled 27,000 pension transfers worth £1.33bn in a year. One of the aims of the survey was to identify areas where scams concerns around pension transfers might arise. It found the top concern to be the involvement of unregulated introducer firms who generate business leads for authorised advisers.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
Confirmation of payee is a fraud prevention system which would allow banks and customers to check names alongside account and sort code details to ensure that transferred money goes to the right person. The Payment Systems Regulator wanted it to start in July. This week UK Finance, which represents banks, said it needed a delay until "some time next year." Guest Gareth Shaw, Head of Money, Which?
Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth takes a forensic look at the accounts of companies linked to London Capital and Finance plc. The company is in administration, leaving 11,000 investors worried about what's happened to their cash. Guest Roger Isaacs, Forensic Partner at Milsted Langdon
Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare discusses the latest figures for tax-free childcare which show that 91,000 families used it for 109,000 children.
Figures released this week revealed that 10 million people are now saving into a workplace pension. Some of those workers are non-tax payers and have been placed by employers in net pay arrangement schemes where pension contributions are collected before income tax. It means they don't get the tax relief on their pension contributions that they would get if they were in another scheme known as a relief at source, where contributions are collected after income tax. Guest: Meredith McCammond, Technical Officer for the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
So where are we with the promised Open Banking revolution?
A little over a year ago we were teetering on the edge of radical reform after new rules meant that customers could give permission for their bank to share details of their current account with other banks and regulated companies.
The plan was that by studying your spending and income details firms will be able to offer you financial products, give you a credit rating, or suggest ways to save money.
What are you experiences? From 1pm on Wednesday 13th February you can call 03 700 100 444 or email anytime: moneybox@bbc.co.uk.
Joining Paul Lewis on the panel this week: Imran Gulamhuseinwala, Implementation Trustee for Open Banking Ltd Pamela Meadows, payments expert from the Financial Services Consumer Panel. Freddy Kelly, founder Credit Kudos.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Jasper Corbett
From April millions of households on default energy tariffs and who have not switched suppliers will see a rise in their bills after regulator Ofgem raised caps for gas and electricity. The first cap was introduced in January as a measure to ensure customers paid fairer prices. Guest Jo Butlin, Chief Executive of EnergyBridge Consulting and an expert in how the energy industry works in the UK.
This week the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee held its final evidence session on leasehold reform. Founder and Chief Executive of the HomeOwners Alliance Paula Higgins debates the issues with David O'Leary, Policy Director with the Home Builders Federation.
What happens to state and private pensions post-Brexit? James Walsh, from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, where he focuses on the EU, guides us through what's certain and what's uncertain.
There are now more mortgage products than ever before for older borrowers, what’s attracting lenders to them? Guest: Darren Cook, Mortgage Analytics Manager at moneyfacts.co.uk
Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
How would you like to receive a set income from the state without conditions?
It's an idea which is gaining world wide attention with pilot schemes in Finland, Canada and Spain to name a few. In Scotland ministers have awarded funding to four local authorities to undertake feasibility studies with a view to holding a pilot.
Adam Shaw and a guest panel discuss the theory behind the idea and examine how if it could ever work in practice.
How have the trials worked in different countries? Is a universal basic income a useful way of thinking about wealth redistribution or is it just an unaffordable utopian dream?
From 1pm Wednesday 6th February you can call us on 03 700 100 444 or email us at any time: moneybbc@bbc.co.uk.
Joining Adam on the panel: Jamie Cooke, Head of Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce Scotland Dr Louise Haagh, author of The Case for Universal Basic Income and a Reader in Politics at the University of York Dr Luke Martinelli, the main researcher on the Institute for Policy Research’s basic income research project at Bath University
Producer: Linda Walker Presenter: Adam Shaw Editor: Jasper Corbett
A firm which raised more than £200m from 14,000 investors has gone into administration. London Capital & Finance Plc (LCF) issued mini-bonds which promoted returns of 8 percent and higher. The Financial Conduct Authority was already investigating, last December it froze the assets of the firm. It also directed LCF to pull its "promotional material on the basis that the way in which it was marketing bonds was misleading, not fair and unclear." The FCA also expressed concerns that "LCF bonds were being marketed as ISA eligible when they were not." Guest: Finbarr O'Connell, one of the administrators of London Capital & Finance Plc.
Tougher fraud prevention measures have seen some websites asking online shoppers to verify their identities by entering a six digit number, sent to them by text, before the transaction can continue. What if you live somewhere without a mobile signal? Guest: James Daley, Managing Director and Founder, Fairer Finance.
We hear from the Money Box listener who's paying hundreds of pounds a year in fee charges for a SIPP investment that’s been valued at £1. Guest: Adam Samuel, financial services compliance specialist.
Child Trust Funds were set up for babies born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 to encourage regular, long-term saving habits. Families received starter vouchers of £250 or £500 to open fund accounts. If, after the first year, they hadn’t, HMRC did it and sent families details of their provider. In many of those cases families failed to contact providers and forgot about the accounts. The first wave of children are turning 16 when they can take control of managing accounts ahead of being able to make withdrawals at 18. How can a lost account be found? Guest: Carol Knight, Chief Operating Officer TISA.
According to the Association of British Insurers, average motor insurance premiums dropped by 1% last year. But the experiences of many Money Box listeners tell a different story.
Louise Cooper and panel discuss why the cost of car insurance is so high.
How do insurers work your premium out? Is it ever a good idea to stick with your existing provider? And how common is it for young people to pay more for their insurance than the cost of their vehicle?
From 1pm Wednesday 30th January you can call us on 03 700 100 444 or email us at any time: moneybbc@bbc.co.uk.
Joining Louise on the panel: David Williams - Technical Director at AXA Insurance Amanda Stretton - Motoring Editor, Confused.com Neil Hart - Client Services Director at Consumer Intelligence
Producer: Alex Lewis + Linda Walker Editor: John Murphy
Administrators have been appointed to the Dream Lodge Group leaving people, some of whom invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in the luxury holiday park lodge business, at risk of losing most if not all of their money. In return for their cash they were promised an 8% return on their investment plus a guaranteed buy back of their capital. In a statement to Money Box administrators Deloitte said "The best outcome for everyone would still be a sale of the business and we will formally report our progress on that and any other matters in our creditors report in mid-March. We appreciate this will be a difficult time for many people affected by the administration of the business.” What are the signs that an investment opportunity is too good to be true? Guest: Farhaz Khan, Secretary of the Financial Services Lawyers Association.
The European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, gives people from the UK the right to access state provided emergency care while temporarily staying in another European Economic Area country or Switzerland for free or for a reduced cost. Tamara Hervey, Professor of EU Law at the University of Sheffield explains what happens to the EHIC post-Brexit.
The cash machine network Link will pay a 'super premium' to ATM operators in certain remote areas from April. It hopes the subsidy of up to £2.75 per withdrawal will keep machines free to use. Guest John Howells, CEO of Link.
If you’ve signed up with a credit rating agency to get alerts whenever your file is accessed, what can you do if you discover a company you've never heard of has searched your details? Guest Lisa Hardstaff, Head of Customer Experience at Equifax.
Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon
Private parking firms are issuing penalties to drivers at the rate of one every five seconds. That's a 20% increase compared to last year.
Council income from parking penalties has never been higher.
So why this increase?
Every motorist has a parking ticket story. So what's yours?
Email us moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call us from 1300 on 23rd January: 03 700 100 444, geographic charges from landlines and mobiles apply.
Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Alex Lewis and Linda Walker Editor: John Murphy
New rules are set to change access to pension credit. At the moment the benefit can be claimed to top up income when the older partner in a couple reaches the qualifying state pension age. From May 15th it will switch to when the younger person in the relationship qualifies. Pensioners with younger partners who are already on pension credit or pension-age Housing Benefit will not be affected by the change while their entitlement remains. The announcement was made via a written statement by pensions minister Guy Opperman which was published on Monday. Guest: Gareth Morgan CEO of Ferret Information Systems.
Money Box listeners who took out student loans in the 1990s have received letters offering to settle the debt if they agree to pay a percentage of their outstanding amount. Some of these former students are approaching the point where their loans will be written off anyway. Guest: Martin Lewis, Founder and Chair MoneySavingExpert.com
Sorting out a £51 tax refund ended up costing one man £137 after he searched online and dialled a number listed on an official looking website which he thought belonged to HMRC. It wasn’t and the line he called which connected him to HMRC was a premium rate one. Guest: David Hickson of the Fair Telecoms campaign.
Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon