Money Box

Latest Episodes:

Why can't I get an NI number? Oct 17, 2020

Show notes

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

MBL: Mortgages for first time buyers Oct 14, 2020

Show notes

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

Airbnb agrees to share tax data with HMRC Oct 10, 2020

Show notes

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

MBL: Eviction Bans Oct 07, 2020

Show notes

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

City's plan to end poverty in 10 years Oct 03, 2020

Show notes

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

MBL: Personal Insurance Sep 30, 2020

Show notes

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

Are car warranties worth it? Sep 26, 2020

Show notes

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

MBL: Armed Forces Financial Help Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

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

Ex-pat bank accounts closed due to Brexit Sep 19, 2020

Show notes

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

MBL: Paying for University Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected