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 p...
Mar 20, 2021•28 min
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 a...
Mar 17, 2021•37 min
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 Producti...
Mar 13, 2021•35 min
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 in...
Mar 10, 2021•28 min
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...
Mar 06, 2021•25 min
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 [email protected] or tweet @moneybox.
Mar 03, 2021•38 min
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 ...
Feb 27, 2021•26 min
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 rela...
Feb 24, 2021•30 min
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 Whi...
Feb 20, 2021•39 min
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 maintena...
Feb 17, 2021•33 min
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...
Feb 13, 2021•37 min
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 [email protected] now. Producer: Darin Grah...
Feb 10, 2021•28 min
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 ...
Feb 06, 2021•31 min
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 fr...
Feb 04, 2021•34 min
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 c...
Feb 03, 2021•28 min
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 disadvantag...
Jan 30, 2021•35 min
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 ...
Jan 27, 2021•35 min
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 ...
Jan 23, 2021•32 min
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, Par...
Jan 20, 2021•34 min
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 ...
Jan 16, 2021•29 min
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 [email protected] now with your questions and ...
Jan 13, 2021•31 min
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 C...
Jan 09, 2021•32 min
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 [email protected] now. On the pane...
Jan 07, 2021•34 min
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 a...
Jan 02, 2021•27 min
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 Brads...
Dec 23, 2020•35 min
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 targete...
Dec 19, 2020•31 min
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 a...
Dec 12, 2020•31 min
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 [email protected]...
Dec 09, 2020•29 min
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 ...
Dec 05, 2020•30 min
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 [email protected] now. On the panel are: Sam Nurse, Money Advice Hub. Your Debt Doctor, Ripon Ray. James Jones, Experian....
Dec 02, 2020•27 min
