Borrowing from Friends: The Dark World of Illegal Lending

The official body which tackles loan sharks tells Money Box that for the first time in its almost 20 year history it is seeing people turn to loan sharks to pay for essentials like food and fuel. The England Illegal Money Lending Team investigates and prosecutes loan sharks and supports those threatened by them. We report from Blackpool and visit a credit union - CLEVR Money - where people can borrow money legally and at reasonable cost.

Why some pensioners may have to pay tax next year on their state pension even if they have no other income.

A cost of living payment of £300 will drop into the bank accounts of people on means-tested benefits from Tuesday - find out who's eligible.

And what's driving a rise in the cost of car insurance?

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Sarah Rogers Researchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle

(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 28th October, 2023)