Money Box

We'll discuss proposals to reform the bailiff industry, hearing from a man whose small parking fine ballooned into a debt of more than £400 once bailiffs got involved. Paul Lewis interviews the minister responsible for the planned changes: will they be fair on both creditors and debtors and will they bring rogue bailiffs into line?Also, the Chancellor's changes to the Winter Fuel Payment have been broadly welcomed by Britain's pensioners, but how easy will it be for them to manage the payment when it comes to filling in their tax returns? With the help of a personal tax expert, we try to answer your questions.And what are Premium Bonds and what are your chances of winning a prize? We've got the definitive guide with Sir David Spiegelhalter, Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Eimear Devlin Researcher: Jo Krasner Editors: Jess Quayle and Rob Cave(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 14th June 2025)

New research, seen exclusively by Money Box, suggests a third of households in England and Wales are trying to cut the amount of water they use to help reduce their bills. The research comes from the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol which worked with the Financial Fairness Trust to speak to 6,000 households about their money situation. On water bills, 34% said they're using less to try to cut their bills with around 30% saying their bills have increased "a lot" over the past 6 months. What can people do to bring their bills down?Some major mortgage lenders have been relaxing their lending rules to make it easier for people to borrow the money to buy a home. They have been encouraged by a letter from the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, which reminded them that they had flexibility around what is called the stress test, which is supposed to ensure borrowers can meet their monthly payments even if rates rise or their circumstances change. What does that mean for the risks around lending?The listeners puzzled by a 25p rise in their state pension because of a rule that started back in 1971.And, how much do you know when it comes to savings? If you don't know your Premium Bonds from your ISA and where to put your money to make the most out of your cash, we'll give you a little bit of help.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth, Peter Ruddick and Jo Krasner Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Rob Cave Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 7th June 2025)

In 2024, scams cost victims over £450 million in the UK, with one 74-year-old sharing her emotional story. The rise of cyber attacks poses additional threats, complicating clients' access to inheritance and personal security. Proposed reforms to wills could simplify legislation, introducing measures like validating electronic signatures. The podcast also sheds light on the compensation process for those harmed by improper energy meter installations, encouraging customers to seek their due.

Sole traders and landlords brace for a major shift as tax returns will now require quarterly filings under the Making Tax Digital initiative. The discussion reveals the burden this change poses on small businesses and the potential pitfalls. State pension underpayments are also examined, shedding light on vulnerable groups who might be missing out. Additionally, community groups express frustration over new bank charges, emphasizing the need for affordable banking solutions amidst rising fees.

Dive into the escalation of fraud cases with insights on new banking regulations aimed at protecting victims. Hear about the remarkable increase in reimbursement rates for fraud victims and the cautious optimism surrounding investments by major pension funds in the UK. Explore the ongoing debate about reliance on digital banking versus the necessity of holding cash for emergencies. Finally, discover why cash still plays a critical role in budgeting and financial security, even in an increasingly digital world.

In this discussion, lawyer Gary Rycroft shares vital insights on navigating the emotional and financial turmoil of bereavement. He emphasizes the need for empathy from financial institutions when dealing with grieving customers. Personal stories highlight the importance of having a will to alleviate administrative stress during such difficult times. The conversation also touches on financial support for bereaved families, practical advice for executors, and the necessity of sensitive communication around mortality and estate planning.

The conversation dives into the financial fallout for cancer survivors, revealing the urgent need for better support systems. Personal stories highlight the struggle to regain stability after a diagnosis. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are in flux following recent Bank of England cuts, with insights on navigating current deals. The podcast also addresses shareholder rights, calling for reforms to ensure investors can easily exercise their voting power. With discussions on critical illness cover and investment principles, it’s both eye-opening and empowering.

Join Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, and Beth Rudolf from the Conveyancing Association as they dissect the dilemma of moving versus renovating your home. They delve into the soaring costs of moving, explore motivations for staying put, and tackle the emotional pitfalls of family home exchanges. With real-life renovation horror stories, they provide essential advice on budget management, contractor reliability, and the dangers of improper spray foam insulation. A must-listen for any homeowner!

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 Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Catherine Lund Editor: 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 Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Catherine Lund and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle(This programme was first broadcast 12pm Saturday 26th April 2025)