Money Box

Electricity and gas bills will rise in April by an average £96 a year - an increase of 9 per cent at a time when inflation is less than 1 per cent. Ellen Fraser, energy specialist at Baringa Partners explains why.Static caravan owners are paying £5000 a year or more in holiday park fees. But they have been unable to visit them during the lockdowns and say that they have been denied refunds on their annual bills. Paul Lewis talks to Gary Rycroft, a partner with solicitors Joseph A Jones and Ros Pritchard, Director General of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.Barclays bank is refusing to refund the costs incurred by a listener after it wrongly told her it had not sold her a payment protection insurance policy (PPI). We hear from Alex Neil, Chief Executive of the consumer complaints website, Resolver.And Paul asks if firms that sell solutions to people in debt are more concerned about generating fee income than helping their customers. Sara Williams, who founded the debt advice website Debt Camel, talks through the issues.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Darin Graham and Sowda Ali Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones

How do you recognise and bring an end to financial abuse? Maybe you’ve spotted that a relative is no longer eating properly, heating their home, or that money and jewellery has gone missing.Or perhaps somebody close to you is taking money, trying to take control of your bank account or even suggesting you should change your will.How do you tackle such difficult personal issues and suspicions?Paul Lewis and guest will be here to answer your questions about protecting yourself or a loved one from financial abuse on Wednesday’s Money Box Live. Joining Paul will be:Veronica Grey, Elder Abuse Charity, Hourglass Gary Rycroft, Solicitor & Partner, Joseph A Jones & Co Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for ScotlandE-mail your experiences and questions about financial abuse to [email protected]: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Fraudsters and scammers are always finding new ways to part you from your money, pressurising you to make a hasty decision or tricking you into sharing personal information.Fake investment firms took around £78m from UK consumers last year according to fraud reporting centre Action Fraud and now warnings are being given about Covid-19 vaccine scams.On Wednesday's programme Adam Shaw and guests will look at how to spot financial fraud and what to do if you've been taken in by these convincing criminals.We'd love to hear your questions and experience so e-mail [email protected] now.Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is being taken to court by mothers who claim the self-employed income support scheme discriminates against them. That's because they took maternity leave during the period their profits were assessed. The government currently calculates how much a self-employed person should receive in their grant, which covers lost profits during the pandemic, by looking at a three year average. And the maternity discrimination charity, Pregnant then Screwed, claims this disadvantages mothers whose average profits were hit because of time taken out from work. Paul Lewis talks to one of the mothers affected and speaks to Anna Dews from solicitors Leigh Day.A record one billion pounds will be spent next year on compensating customers of financial miss-selling by firms that have gone out of business, according to a forecast in The Financial Services Compensation Scheme Plan and Budget for 2021/22. The cost is more than a third higher than was paid out this year and that was over a third higher than last year’s total. It has just about doubled over three years. What's going on? Paul Lewis talks to FSCS Chief Executive, Caroline Rainbird.Nearly two months after Money Box first reported that the DWP was wrongly telling thousands of people that they owed it hundreds of pounds, Money Box continues to hear from listeners who say it is still going on. The Government told Money Box before Christmas that it had sorted the problem out. But Dan Whitworth talks to one woman who lost £1400 in December.The self assessment tax deadline has been extended to 28 February, so if you file after the original deadline of 31 January , the £100 penalty can be avoided. But the tax does still needs to be paid by the end of this month, not February. Confused? Don't worry because Heather Self, tax partner at Blick Rothenberg explains all. Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Ben Carter Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Darin Graham and Sowda Ali Editor: Rosamund Jones

Stay at home is the current advice but travel companies are reporting a surge in holiday bookings from those hoping for adventure later this year.Others may have rebooked a trip which was cancelled last summer but be uncertain about whether they can or should go. What happens if your trip is cancelled again and what should you consider if you need or hope to travel safely when restrictions ease?On Wednesday’s programme Adam Shaw and guests will answer your questions about travel rules, rights and refunds. e-mail [email protected] now.On the panel are:Rory Boland, Travel Editor, Which? Jill Starley-Grainger, Editor, JetsetJourneysPresenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones

Tens of thousands of students are being denied access to student funding despite a Government pledge in 2013 to change things. The delay to an 'alternative' student finance scheme would enable thousands of Muslim students to fund their university education every year.A damning report into how the Financial Conduct Authority has acted on pensions transfers. Many who've taken bad advice may have no recourse to compensation. Money Box has learnt that since the pandemic started last year thousands of people have been refused Universal Credit because they have over £16k in savings. We hear from someone who claims this rule has put her home deposit back by 10 years.In the podcast we are joined by Martin Lewis with an update on the fourth slice of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer/reporter: Alex Lewis Producers: Darin Graham and Ben Carter Editor: Rosamund Jones

What could the new plans for leasehold reform mean for you? Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced what he calls the biggest reforms to English property law for 40 years, making it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold or extend their lease and introducing Commonhold tenure.On Wednesday's programme Felicity Hannah and guests take a look at the new proposals and ask how the system works in Scotland, where leaseholds were abolished in 2004. On the panel:Alan Cook, Partner, Pinsent Masons, Glasgow Sebastian O’Kelly, CEO, Leasehold Knowledge Partnership Dona Awano, Solicitor, Commonhold and Leasehold Experts LimitedWe'd love to hear your questions and experiences so e-mail [email protected] now to join the conversation.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Rosamund Jones

If there is a hundred pounds or more credit on your electricity or gas account you can get it back. We tell you how to do it and explain what the situation is if the firm has gone bust.Simon York is the man in charge of tackling fraud at Her Majesty’s Revenues & Customs. We find out how much of the furlough grants have been lost to criminals.What happens to drivers whose car is parked on the street but can’t afford to get it taxed or MOT’d?And the man who asked his insurer a question and the answer cost him £350.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Ben Carter Researcher: Sowda Ali Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Rosamund Jones

Bitcoin values again capture the headlines, some central banks are developing their own digital currencies and PayPal and Facebook are entering the market.Digital currencies are evolving rapidly but what do you need to know before you consider buying, storing or selling cryptocurrencies?On Wednesday’s Money Box Live, Louise Cooper and guests discuss the development and the risks of digital currencies and we'd love to hear your stories too. e-mail [email protected] now with your questions and experiences.On the panel:Marcus Hughes, Coinbase UK and Europe General Manager Olinga Taeed, Visiting Professor in Blockchain, Birmingham City Business School Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

For the first time since 1974 the United Kingdom is not part of the European Union, so how will this affect your finances?We look at the new Global Health Insurance card and explore why we might end up with better compensation for delayed flights.We also discover why some banks are closing UK accounts held by people living in the EU... and some aren't. And ask what UK pensions and benefits will be paid in future to British emigrants living in EU countries?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Ben Carter Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon

How good are you with money? Are you a saver, a spender or a canny investor and where did you learn those skills - from family, school, or maybe you taught yourself through the university of life? On Wednesday’s programme we want to find out what makes financial education work well, what do young people want to learn about money and how can we help them to achieve their financial goals?To share your ideas and experiences with Felicity Hannah and guests e-mail [email protected] now.On the panel:Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist. Rebekah Kelly, Head of Education - School Age, MyBnk Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People Programmes, The Money CharityWe also hear from Emma Muckalt, joint winner of Interactive Investor's Personal Finance Teacher of the Year 2020 (Primary School).Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

2020 has been a tumultuous year, full of the unexpected, so what can we anticipate for our finances over the years to come? In 1998 futurologist Graeme Leach wrote a report for Barclays called ’2020 Vision’, designed to look beyond the impending millennium to life in the next 20 years. It wanted to stimulate thinking and discussion on how the future will look. Join Felicity Hannah to discover how Graeme’s predictions for 2020 have weathered and discuss with three listeners what their hopes and aspirations are for the next 20 years, what have been their successes and failures from the last 20, and what lessons can be learnt. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

It’s been a tough year for charities since the global pandemic struck but many of you have come up with innovative ways to raise money for the causes you love. The closure of charity shops and the cancellation of events has greatly reduced income and many charities are also experiencing rising demands, so finding new ways to generate income has been vital. On Wednesday’s Money Box Live Louise Cooper and guests will look at charity finances and fundraising in 2020. Joining Louise are:Caron Bradshaw, Charity Finance Group Daniel Fluskey, Institute of Fundraising Robin Osterley, Charity Retail AssociationWe’d love to hear your ideas and experiences so e-mail [email protected] now to join in with the conversation.Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

A damning report by Dame Elizabeth Gloster finds that the financial regulator failed nearly 12,000 people who lost up to £237 million after an investment scheme collapsed. How have those who lost money reacted to her findings?A search through 390,000 online adverts for rented homes reveals that on two websites more than 80% discriminate against people on benefits.And concerns from the team dedicated to chasing, catching and prosecuting illegal loan sharks about the rise of people being targeted via social media.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Ben Carter and Maryam Ahmed Producer: Darin Graham Series Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Exclusive figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service show a big increase in the number of complaints about banks in relation to fraud and scams. The stats show the FOS upholds 32% of complaints on average – but when it comes to fraud and scam cases that number nearly doubles to 58%. What does the FOS think about recent reports in the press that suggests banks are trying to get out of their voluntary code to refund victims of fraud? We hear from one case study who had £13,200 stolen 18 months ago and was refused a refund, until Money Box got involved. Paul talks to Debbie Enever from the Financial Ombudsman ServiceIn an exclusive interview Paul speaks to Alex Marsh, the UK boss of the biggest player in the Buy Now Pay Later market. The FCA is currently working on its review into BNPL as the industry braces itself for the prospect of regulationMore listeners have been contacting Money Box to tell us they are being pursued for debts of over £1000 by the Department for Work and Pensions. It is trying to recover a payment they have never had from a benefit they are not claiming. We hear from some of those affected.Five major house builders are changing the way they sell new leasehold flats. Sebastian Kelly from the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership explains all.Producers: Ben Carter and Darin Graham Reporter: Dan Whitworth Editor: Emma Rippon

If you’re priced out of the housing market, could shared ownership help you onto the property ladder? Offered by housing associations and private developers, these schemes allow you to buy a share in a property while paying rent for the portion that you do not own.Paul Lewis and guests answer your questions about the pros and cons of shared ownership. How does it work and what are the costs, responsibilities and restrictions? E-mail your questions, thoughts and experiences now to [email protected] the panel will be:Kelly McCabe, Managing Director, TMP The Mortgage People Amy Nettleton, Chair, Shared Ownership Steering Group Giles Peaker, Housing Partner, Anthony Gold Solicitors Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

We've been hearing from listeners who’ve been contacted by Department for Work and Pensions demanding repayment of Universal Credit advances that the DWP says they’ve received. The trouble is, they’ve never even applied for Universal Credit, let alone had an advance. The DWP are also contacting these fraud victims employers to deduct the money owed from their salary before investigations are completed.Two dozen people are facing the threat of redundancy because the small business they work for is being forced to shut down because it can’t get insurance. How is this possible and why isn’t the insurance market working like it should? Solicitor Merlin Batchelor talks us through his problem and Felicity talks to Martin McTague from the Federation of Small Businesses which is calling for the insurance industry and policy makers to investigate what’s going on.Savers at the UK’s government backed bank, National Savings and Investments, are struggling to withdraw their funds after the firm slashed its interest rate to next to nothing. Jill Waters, NS&I’s retail director joins us to explain what’s going on. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producers: Ben Carter and Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon

Is taking a break from regular payments on your mortgage, credit card or a loan for example a good way to help you through financial difficulties?Charmaine Cozier asks what you should consider before deferring regular payments and whether there are alternatives or long term consequences for your money.We'd love to hear your questions, experiences and views so please e-mail [email protected] now.On the panel are:Sam Nurse, Money Advice Hub. Your Debt Doctor, Ripon Ray. James Jones, Experian.Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Money Box has found evidence of fraud in the Direct Debit system. We hear how Ursula, pictured with her son Phil, was repeatedly targeted. But how can you protect yourself against this fraud, once criminals use stolen personal details to drain your account? We get insight from Lisa Forte of Red Goat Cyber Security.Also - young people and hard up families are being priced out of rented homes by landlords asking for six months rent in advance. We hear from Jennie Bibbings of Shelter Cymru and John Stewart from the National Residential Landlords Association.And a breakthrough for some parents of children with learning disabilities who haven't been able to access their child's savings once they reach 18. Two child trust fund providers, OneFamily and BMO Finance, are defying government guidance and giving parents control of the money owed to their child. Normally parents have to go through a long, expensive process which may cost more than the total invested for their child in the fund. We hear the latest on this good news for some families, but also look at the plight of the many more still stuck with the old system, as their providers hang on for new guidance from the government.Plus in the Money Box Podcast Extra – the horrific case of a student in Nottingham who was assaulted and robbed – but struggled to be set free from his housing contract to recuperate at home. We hear what students can do if they feel they have to withdraw from their student accommodation contract. You can find details of the National Code for student housing and complaints process here https://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Paul Waters Assistant Producer: Darin Graham Programme Coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon

As the government lay out their financial plans for the next year, Paul Lewis and our panel discuss how they will affect your money. From pay and benefits to housing and tax, the Chancellor's announcements could have a big impact on personal finances. Here to translate and dissect the Spending Review are our expert panel:Anita Monteith - Technical Lead & Senior Policy Adviser, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Helen Barnard - Director, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Heather Self - Partner, Blick RothenbergEmail in your questions and comments on the Spending Review to [email protected] Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Emma Rippon

Money Box investigates why parents who have to take unpaid leave to look after children who need to self isolate are unable to claim the £500 Test and Trace support payment.The Government wants to expand shared ownership as part of a five year housing plan. But is part renting, part buying a leasehold flat really a staircase to heaven? And why young people that the government has encouraged to pay into a Lifetime ISA account are unable to receive Universal Credit.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

The UK is seeing a record number of redundancies, with the latest figures showing more than 314,000 people lost their jobs over the summer. Charmaine Cozier and our panel are here to answer your questions on all things redundancy, from legal rights to budgeting while you're out of work. Drop us a line with your thoughts or questions: [email protected] or tweet @moneyboxPanel: Susie Al-Qassab - Head of Employment Law, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors Bukiie Smart - Founder of Save Spend InvestPresenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon

How do you make sure that people get advice before they cash in their pension funds early? The latest figures show that more than £2 billion was released early by nearly 350,000 people in the three months to September. Only about one in 30 of the people who take money out get guidance or advice about their decision. The Government’s answer is what it calls a ‘stronger nudge’ and on Monday it is expected to set out its plans to MPs as a new Pension Bill comes to its finale in the House of Commons. Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, Stephen Timms MP, thinks a nudge is not enough.The Warm Home Discount gives customers on low incomes or in particular family circumstances £140 off one winter energy bill but Money Box has heard that some people who should be eligible to receive the discount are being refused because the scheme is running out of money and suppliers are tightening up the conditions. We speak to the boss of Utilita.How to talk to children about money and 19,000 investors want to know why they have not been able to get their hands on their missing millions for well over a year. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon

In the early days of lockdown the government announced support for the self-employed who'd had their work impacted - or even destroyed - by the pandemic. But it's estimated that more than a million people have been unable to claim any financial help from the scheme, and they've been in touch with Money Box in droves. Adam Shaw and our panel hear from some of those who've been stuck without government support and want to know why not, and ask what other help is out there for freelancers.Panel: Andy Chambers - Director of Policy at IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed Tom Waters - Senior Research Economist from the Institute For Fiscal Studies Caroline Miskin - Technical Manager from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon

A Money Box investigation has found that people across the UK are being refused home Covid tests because of their credit histories. The government uses a credit scoring database to verify the identity of those asking for the tests but that relies on people having a credit history big enough to leave a footprint.The guides on how to commit scams (and get away with it) being sold online and in plain sight on social media platforms.And the ins and outs of the new furlough as announced by the Chancellor on Thursday.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon

Felicity Hannah and our expert panel field questions on all things baby related - from parental leave and pay to saving for a baby, your legal rights, budgeting, dealing with unemployment and finding out what government help you can expect. Our panel includes:Laura Suter - Personal finance analyst at AJ Bell, and new parentNick Hill - Money Advice ServiceNyaradzo Nyakatawa - Legal advisor for charity Pregnant Then ScrewedProducer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon

As the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme wraps up, what are your redundancy rights? And what happens if you’re on a zero-hours contract?Gym members are being pursued by debt collectors after they cancelled their direct debit for fees to gyms they couldn't go to because of the pandemic. And why are banks refusing to open accounts for newly formed charities and community groups? Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Darin Graham Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Simon Maybin Editor: Richard Vadon

Starting a business is hard, but starting one during lockdown is harder. Louise Cooper and guests revisit young entrepreneurs who made their side hustle into their 9-5 during lockdown to see how they’re getting on. They also hear from some new businesses owners looking for some help and guidance about starting and sustaining a successful company.Guests: Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation Annabel Cork, founder of Make It Your Business Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Emma Rippon If you’ve got a story to share, do email us on [email protected] or you can Tweet us @moneybox

The numbers of people targeted by thieves on Instagram has sharply risen during lockdown and Action Fraud is warning Instagram users to be wary of fraudulent investment posts offering ‘get rich quick’ schemes. Criminals use the app to promote investment schemes, luring users with the promise of high returns. We speak to one man caught out.As Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions expand, we look at the support in place for workers.And it’s already estimated that nearly two million people who were not in financial difficulty before the pandemic are now struggling to pay all of their bills. Could a 'temporary' debt payment plan help them through the worst of the crisis?Presenter: Paul Lewis Researcher: Darin Graham Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Richard Vadon

If you’re under 30 and struggling to be noticed by employers our panel are ready to help. Find out which industries are hiring, how to handle CV gaps and what to focus on when you get an interview. Email questions and tips to: [email protected] or tweet us @moneyboxPanel: Lauren Mistry, Operations Director at Youth Employment UK John McCourt, Careers adviser with Skills Development Scotland Emlyn Evans, Adviser with Career WalesPresenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton Editor: Richard Vadon

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

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 [email protected] or you can Tweet us @moneybox.Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton & Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon

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

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 [email protected] or tweet @moneybox.Presenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Emma Rippon

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

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 [email protected] now and tweet @moneybox we'll include as many as we can in the programme.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

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 [email protected] 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

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 charityIf you’re a serving or former member of the Armed Forces we’d love to hear your money questions and experiences e-mail [email protected] or tweet @moneybox.Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

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

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 [email protected] 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

With fewer jobs and rising unemployment among young people Money Box has seen worrying evidence that the illegal practice of not paying interns is growing. Thousands of young people are locked out of their Government child trust funds even though they have reached 18. And would you invest in a bond backed by your local council?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

If you’ve replaced the buzz of the office with working at the kitchen table we’d love to hear how it's going. Have your work-life balance, your finances, career and productivity been affected? Does it make a difference to team working if you don't meet your colleagues face to face? What responsibilities do employers and employees need to consider and is working from home the future, or are you desperate to get back to the office? What happens if you’re asked to return to your place of work but you’d like more flexibility?Joining presenter Felicity Hannah to talk it over and discuss this changing world of work are:Alison Loveday, Employment Partner, Kennedys Law Louise Goss, Founder and Editor, thehomeworker.com David D'Souza, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and DevelopmentTo join the debate e-mail [email protected] or tweet @moneybox now with your questions, views and ideas.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

From this month, young people turning 18 can access money given them by the Government in a Child Trust Fund. All children born from September 2002 were given vouchers to invest, the idea being to provide children with some savings at the age of 18, to help with the costs of university or living alone for the first time. Initially £250 was put into the account and another £250 was added when he or she reached the age of seven. For lower-income families, the payment was £500. But it's estimated about a third of eligible young people and their families have no idea these funds exist. So how do you go about finding them?The financial regulator is currently consulting on limiting the amount it has to pay out when it fails to operate effectively. Campaigners are concerned it is weakening the current consumer redress.More than two and a half million people have successfully claimed almost £8 billion from the UK government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme. The scheme was designed to help self employed people whose businesses had suffered because of the economic crisis caused by Covid 19.. We hear from one man who found someone else had claimed his self-employment Government grant - twice!And in our podcast we get a leaseholders response to the news that four of the UK's largest housebuilders are now facing court action after "troubling evidence" was uncovered by the Competition and Markets Authority over the way they sold leaseholds.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher Darin Graham Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

If your holiday plans are affected by coronavirus, what are your rights? Chaos caused by the pandemic has left travellers with many questions - about insurance, refunds and whether they can get away at all. Holidaying in a pandemic isn’t easy but sometimes cancelling isn't either. Our panel of travel experts is ready to answer your Covid-related questions. Email [email protected] or tweet @moneyboxGuests: Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel Jill Starley-Grainger, Travel blogger from JetSet Journeys Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Hugh Levinson

From now, the over 75s will have to start paying for their TV licences. We speak to the BBC’s Director, Policy Clare Sumner about what the BBC is doing about the 1m pensioners who will receive demands for payment but should be exempt.In his summer statement, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised a bonus for employers who hire apprentices over the next six months because “We know apprenticeships work”. But the latest Ofsted figures show that 42% of apprenticeships inspected in England are either inadequate or require improvement - and that they are struggling to inspect at all due to lack of resources. Money Box speaks to the Skills Minister Gllian Keegan MP.And the debt collection firm that is demanding money from people who don’t owe it. What to do if it happens to you.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon + Ravin Sampat

Fake emails, bogus calls, spoof texts: Fraudsters are exploiting the pandemic to fleece as many unwitting victims as they can. So how to spot a scam and keep your money safe? Join Felicity Hannah and a panel of experts offering top tips to avoid being scammed. Share your experiences by emailing [email protected] or tweet @moneybox Guests: Katy Worobec, Managing Director, Economic Crime, UK Finance Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur, Kent Police Richard Emery, bank fraud consultant, 4Keys InternationalProducer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon

During the health pandemic a fraud epidemic has been growing. The latest official crime survey found fraud accounts for a third of all crime in England and Wales. It costs the UK economy tens of billions of pounds and very often individuals many thousands of pounds. But the cost is much more than just financial. It can be emotionally and mentally devastating. Money Box has been given access to a rare recording of fraud in progress. An expert assesses what made it so believable and one of the most senior fraud investigators in the UK tells us what he's doing about this kind of financial crime.Also on the programme, the car finance customers stuck with a vehicle they cannot use and no longer own but they still have to tax and insure it. As government advice changes and people are asked to go back to work, many childcare providers remain closed. So do employers need to make any allowances?And in the podcast, will house prices go up or fall - a listener asks should he buy now or wait? Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

If you're claiming benefits for the first time because of coronavirus, what’s your experience? Millions of people who have lost their jobs or their income since lockdown, are having to apply for Universal Credit for the first time to help meet basic living costs. But how much do you get and how long before the money comes through? Join Paul Lewis and a panel of benefits experts offering advice on how to claim, what you might get and how to avoid pitfalls. Email your questions and stories to [email protected] or tweet @moneyboxGuests: Anna Stevenson, Welfare benefits expert, Turn2Us Will Hadwen, Working Families Gary Martin, Welfare benefits specialist at Brixton Advice Centre Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon

The organisation charged by the government to provide debt advice says it expects the number of people in financial difficulties to soar by 60% as the economic crisis begins to hit home. By late 2021 it expects that eight million people will have not been able to pay at least three bills in a six month period. And there are growing concerns that people with severe debt are being exploited by firms selling Individual Voluntary Agreements - a formal debt solution to pay back debts - which the firms make money from.Saving, if you can afford it. With interest rates at record lows, what is the motivation to save? Some community schemes think they have the answer.And Ofcom say it's concerned 'some customers are not being treated fairly' when it comes to being charged for keeping email addresses after switching provider - available to listen to in our podcast edition.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Schools partially closed, nurseries struggling to reopen, grandparents shielding, childminders grappling with social distancing and a lack of au pairs because of travel restrictions. Arguably the UK faces a childcare crisis. At the same time, lockdown is being lifted, the Job Retention Scheme is being wound down, and the government is urging us all back to work to rebuild our shattered economy. But how can parents work without affordable, quality childcare? And how can childcare providers deliver if they don't have the cash coming in? What help is available if you’re income’s dried up, but you still have fees to pay or overheads to settle? Louise Cooper and a panel of experts are here to answer your childcare questions. Email [email protected] or tweet @moneyboxGuests: Purnima Tanuku, CEO, National Day Nurseries Association Will Hadwen, Benefits adviser from Working Families Megan Jarvie, Head of Family and Childcare at CoramProducer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Emma Rippon