Money Box

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 Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: 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 Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: 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 Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Reporter: Neil Morrow Editor: 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 Lewis Reporters: Sarah Rogers and Eimear Devlin Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: 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 Hannah Producer: Neil Morrow and Sarah Rogers Reporter: Eimear Devlin Editor: 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 Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: 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 Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Reporter: Neil Morrow Editor: 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 Hannah Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researchers: 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 Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Neil Morrow Editor: 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 Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: 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 Hannah Producers: Will Harris and Neil Morrow Editor: Beatrice Pickup

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