Money Box

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.

Reform of the state pension, auto-enrolment into company pensions and consolidation of small pensions spread across several providers are proposed this week in a major report on the future of pensions. It says major changes are are necessary to ensure today's workers have an adequate income in retirement. The conclusions come at the end of a two year study by the independent research organisation the Institute for Fiscal Studies, we'll speak to them about the report.Hundreds of thousands of people whose homes are heated using communal heat networks are less than 6 months away from greater protection as the industry gets ready to come under Ofgem regulation for the first time. Up until now people in homes that are on heat networks, which use a single heat source to pipe hot water to multiple households, have not had the same rights as those on mains gas or electricity, but that is about it change. What difference could the new regulations make?How could the way you get financial advice change in the future? We'll discuss new proposals by the regulator the Financial Conduct Authority aimed at helping more people get financial advice.And, what would you like to see on a new bank note from the Bank of England? Email us now moneybox@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle(audio credit British Pathé)(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 5th July 2025)

Andrea Coady, Head of Policy at Nacro, and Ana Caldeira from Catch 22 dive into the financial realities faced by ex-offenders. The conversation reveals the concept of 'bang-up' pay and the challenging journey of reintegration after prison. They discuss the stigma and barriers in securing basic banking services, highlighting the urgent need for better financial education and support systems. These insights shed light on how financial stability can significantly reduce re-offending rates and aid in rebuilding lives.

Six million people will have £150 knocked off one winter electricity bill this winter. The Government has announced an expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme which will almost double the number getting it. Who is eligible and how will people get the payment?Money Box has been receiving a steady stream of emails from members of the Teachers' Pension Scheme complaining about how their pensions are being managed. With more than 2 million members and liabilities of £278 billion the TPS is one of the largest in the UK. So what is going on? Dan Whitworth investigates.Child maintenance is a regular financial payment made by a parent who doesn't live with their child to help support the child's living costs. This week the government has announced plans for some significant changes to the way those payments are collected and transferred. We'll explain what's changing.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo Krasner Studio Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 28th June 2025)

Join Sarah Pennells, a Consumer Finance Specialist, and Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance, as they dive into the unique financial challenges faced by single adults, highlighting that singles often pay more each year compared to those in partnerships. They discuss everything from grocery bills to hidden travel costs, while sharing savvy strategies for budget-friendly living. The conversation also touches on the emotional and practical aspects of finances after loss, celebrating the autonomy that comes with being single.

Discover the hurdles faced by families trying to access Child Trust Funds for disabled young adults, as advocates urge for a smoother process. The podcast also tackles the rising insurance costs, revealing how monthly payment methods can increase expenses by 20-30%. Additionally, it examines the trend of early pension withdrawals at age 55 and its long-term financial impact. With personal stories and expert insights, the discussion emphasizes the importance of informed financial decision-making in today’s changing landscape.

Three quarters of financial firms are already using Artificial Intelligence, according to the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority, with more set to follow in future.Last month a new inquiry by the Treasury Committee began looking into the potential impacts of AI in banking, pensions and other financial services.So what does that all mean for your money? We speak to the experts about how it's being used, the rise of the chat bot and how to spot AI scams after one woman lost £10,000 to fraudsters. Joining Felicity Hannah this week are Gbenga Ibikunle, Professor and Chair of Finance of Edinburgh University and Jana Mackintosh, Managing Director for Payments and Innovation at UK Finance. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers and Catherine Lund Editor: Sarah Rogers(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 18th of June 2025)