Money Box

We look at changes which the Government has announced – and the speculation around those it hasn’t. Pension inheritance rules will change in 2027. It may seem a long time away, but people are making plans now. We hear from some of those pension planners as they try to clear up any confusion around the changes. We also look at speculation around what might be in the Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget, which she announced this week will take place on November 26.His Majesty's Revenue and Customs tells Money Box it's deploying hundreds of staff to bring down waiting times for people making claims about missing state pension payments. It's already written to 370,000 people, mainly women, who took time off work to care for children and now might be getting less money than they should be because of an error in their National Insurance records. But given that HMRC has already admitted it's been, in its words, "inherently challenging" to try to fix the problem it might come as little surprise the vast majority of people still missing money, haven't been paid what they're owed. Just a few weeks ago thousands of would-be university students found out whether they had achieved the right grades to get into the university of their choice. Now comes the reality check, when many wonder how they will afford to pay for it. Some argue that the level of Government maintenance loans only covers half the true cost of student living. The Higher Education Policy Institute has just conducted a study into maintenance loans in England and reckons they only cover half of the true costs of student life.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Amber Mehmood, Jo Krasner, Catherine Lund Editors: Jess Quayle, Craig Henderson

Being a tenant can be pricey — and it’s only getting pricier. Private rents rose by almost six per cent in the year to July, and while the pace may be slowing, the average UK rent still stands at over £1,300 a month. So what does that mean for the millions of people living in private rented homes? This week on Money Box Live, we're looking at the cost of renting — and what it’s doing to your finances. We’ll hear from a family forced to live apart because they can’t afford to rent together, and from a woman struggling to rent because of debt problems. We’ll ask what the upcoming Renters Rights Bill means for tenants — and what tax breaks are available to people who choose to rent out a spare room. With rising prices, limited supply, and big reforms on the horizon, join us as we unpack the pressures facing renters — and what support is out there. Felicity Hannah is joined by Matt Hutchinson from Spare Room, Vicky Spratt, Housing Correspondent for The i, and Matt Sheeran from Money Wellness Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Helen Ledwick Editors: Jess Quayle and Craig Henderson (This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 3rd of September 2025).

Hundreds of former retained firefighters have come forward to claim millions of pounds in missing pension payments after Money Box covered the story earlier this summer. We'd reported how their union, the Fire and Rescue Service Association, had warned thousands of its members risked missing out on the payments very often worth tens of thousands of pounds for each individual.Scammers have been sending texts pretending to be from the government to try and trick pensioners into applying for the Winter Fuel Payment. That's a payment that can be worth up to £300 off energy bills over the colder months. It's prompted the Department for Work and Pensions to issue a warning, telling people to beware of the texts, which ask people to click on link which could be used to steal money from victims.How are the rumours about changes to stamp duty affecting the housing market? And a reminder that if you’re the parent or carer of a 16-19 year old you’ve got until Sunday to renew your child benefit claim.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Catherine Lund and Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 12pm Saturday 30th August 2025)

Join Deborah Meaden, renowned Dragons' Den investor and entrepreneur, as she shares invaluable insights on the financial wisdom many wish they had known earlier. Listeners reveal regrets about budgeting, understanding compound interest, and handling workplace pensions. Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick discusses his money mistakes and offers essential tips for financial success. Maths teacher Bobby Seagull emphasizes the critical need for financial education, while planner Kirsty Stone addresses the importance of cultivating positive financial habits for a secure future.

The podcast dives into crucial updates on pensions and childcare that could reshape financial futures. With the government's review of state pension-age and new initiatives for 30 hours of funded childcare, working parents stand to save significantly. It also sheds light on retained firefighters who may be owed thousands in pension payments following legal changes, urging them to take action. Additionally, savvy travelers can catch money-saving tips for their summer excursions. It's a treasure trove of financial insight!

John Webb, a credit expert at Experian, and Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer and consumer champion at Which?, dive into the often confusing world of credit scores. They discuss critical factors affecting scores and the importance of checking credit reports for accuracy. Hear a gripping tale of someone fighting to fix their score after fraud, alongside essential tips for building and improving credit. They also cover strategies for facing credit challenges and the significance of timely payments. Tune in for practical advice that can help shape your financial future!

In this engaging discussion, Steve Webb, a former pensions minister, and Daniela Silcock, a pensions research expert, tackle the troubling statistics surrounding women's retirement savings. They reveal that women hold just 42p for every £1 men have in private pensions and discuss the lingering impact of caregiving and unequal pay on financial independence. The guests share insights on government initiatives for unclaimed pensions aimed at women and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure fair retirement opportunities for all.

There's a surge in requests for water meters as consumers seek relief from rising bills, with some finding significant savings. However, installation challenges persist for others, especially single occupants. In a major development, proposed cuts to cash ISA contributions won’t go ahead, easing fears for savers. The podcast also dives into a landmark Supreme Court ruling impacting how wealth is divided in divorces, stressing the need for updated laws to adapt to modern relationship complexities.

It was a momentous day on Tuesday as the government and regulators announced major changes in the way investments will be sold. What's been proposed and what's the role of the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, in that?Inflation rose to 3.6%, this week the highest it has been since January 2024 - what's behind that?And two of the UK's leading end of life charities have told Money Box people given less than 12 months to live should not have to pay Council Tax before they die. The call from Marie Curie and Hospice UK comes just a few weeks after Manchester City Council became what's believed to be the first local authority in the UK to introduce such a scheme. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 19th July 2025)

Unemployment is at its highest level in four years, leading to pressing discussions about job loss. Experts share insights on legal rights and financial management during job hunts. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of redundancy and the challenges in the job market, particularly for older candidates. The impact of AI on recruitment and issues of motor insurance following job changes are also covered. Listeners are guided to support resources, ensuring they’re informed and prepared for their next steps.