Money Box

Nineteen days to go before your cross on a ballot paper will help decide who runs the country. You have been telling Money Box what matters to you. This week we'll discuss how much tax you already pay and whether that will change after 4th July. The head of the UK payment regulator has rejected calls to delay a new fraud reimbursement plan which is due to begin on 7th October. It will mean that victims of fraud are fully reimbursed for losses up to £415,000. We'll have more on this story.And more than half a million people are now getting help with their finances, often saving substantial sums of money, thanks to something called the Vulnerability Registration Service. What is it and how does it work?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Immie Rhodes and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 15th June, 2024)

The podcast discusses the rising costs of elderly care and political parties' plans to address it. Energy companies are holding billions in customer credit, prompting concerns about fair billing. Over half a million people experienced delays in Child Benefit payments. New banknotes featuring King Charles III are introduced, sparking interest in obtaining them.

A pensioner on benefits shares her surprise at getting taxed on her pension for the first time. The podcast delves into the 'triple-lock' mechanism debate and the ban on 'drip pricing'. Also, insights on rising Visa and Mastercard fees, fake stamp penalties by Royal Mail, and a discussion on consumer protection laws.

What are the financial issues that you will be considering when you decide how to cast your vote in the General Election in July? Research shows that the economy and inflation are two big issues on our minds - we'll hear from some potential voters on what they'd like to see.New figures from UK Finance, which represents banks and other finance firms, revealed that in 2023 a record number of people lost more than £450 million to thieves who tricked them, manipulated them and then drained their bank account. The slightly better news is that more of them got their money back. We'll delve into the details.And almost three quarters of a million tax credit renewal letters are hitting people's doormats over the next few weeks - and thousands of people will need to act or face losing their payments. What should you do if that’s you? Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth, Sandra Hardial and Neil Morrow Studio Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Jess Quayle(This programme was first broadcast Saturday 25th May 2024)

Discover how the government is reclaiming millions from carers who exceeded earnings limits, the challenges faced by carers, long wait times at HMRC helplines, retirement savings concerns, and the quirks of using a £50 note in shops.

Exploring strategies for negotiating pay rises, the significance of employee perks, frustrations of missing out on back pay, managing work-life balance, unique employee benefits like treehouses and fireman's poles, and challenges in capturing a notorious human smuggler.

The Pension Dashboard is intended to provide an online service to millions of people who have paid into a pension at work by showing all their pots and their value in one place. But the National Audit Office this week revealed a 'digital skills' shortage is behind delays, providers now have until October 2026 to connect to it. The costs of the dashboard are also up by almost a quarter to £279 million. Some people hoping to sell their leasehold homes are being charged large amounts by their freeholder to fill out a simple form which helps the sale to go through smoothly. We hear from 'Harry' who was just days away from exchanging contracts on his two bed flat in London when his sale collapsed because his freeholder wouldn't sign an LPE1 form unless Harry paid more than £20,000. The forms contain information such as ground rent and service charges and rules on pets. Also in the programme we answer listener questions about how to protect your money when banks merge, and applications open on the 12th of May for the next round of government funded childcare. Working parents in England with children aged nine months to under two years can apply for 15 hours of subsidised childcare starting from September. Parents have been encouraged by the Department for Education to act as soon as possible to secure their place. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Sarah RogersThis episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 11th of May.

This episode discusses the financial implications of divorce, including the average income drop post-separation, managing finances after splitting up, and the complexities of sharing debts and accounts. Experts share insights on separating finances and making a financial plan when ending a relationship.

Elderly couple faces account freeze due to outdated documents, highlighting digital exclusion. New online calculator helps boost state pension by filling in NI record gaps. Royal Mail suspends penalty for fake barcoded stamps. Financial planning advice for unmarried couples post breakup

Unpaid carers in the UK face financial challenges and emotional tolls while balancing care commitments, with insights on carer poverty and support available. The podcast explores carer's allowance, eligibility rules, and benefits, highlighting the struggles of caregivers balancing their own health needs. It also delves into the financial hurdles of caregiving, including care assessments and attendance allowance, while emphasizing the importance of community support for carers.