FSA begins insurance regulation

The FSA will be imposing strict new rules on regulated firms

BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Saturday, 15 January, 2005, at 1204 GMT.

The programme was repeated on Sunday, 16 January, 2005, at 2102 GMT.

Read the programme transcript

The Financial Services Authority has taken over regulation of general insurance sales, advice and administration.

Regulated firms will be expected to meet industry standards, and consumers will have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme should any problems arise.

From 14 January, three types of firm will exist:

MONEY BOX LIVE: INSURANCE How will this affect you? How can you find out if the company that insures you is FSA regulated? Send your question to the experts

firms directly authorised and regulated by the FSA or the appointed representatives of such firms

firms that have an interim authorisation by the FSA

firms that are unregulated, such as travel agents and high street electrical retailers

We spoke to Clive Briault, Managing Director of Retail Markets at the FSA.

Further information:

Cost of insurance set to rise

External internet links and helplines

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NHS pension consultation begins

NHS workers are being asked for their views as part of a three month consultation on radical changes to their pension scheme.

Unions have reacted angrily to the proposals

In plans announced this week, NHS pensions could be based on a worker's average earnings rather than the amount they earn just before they retire.

The normal retirement age could also be raised from 60 to 65.

Meanwhile, the TUC has said it plans to make Friday, 18 February, a day of campaigning against the plans.

Unison has also voiced its concern at the "detrimental changes" and said it was "determined to keep up the pressure on the government".

Samantha Washington talked to NHS Employers about the plans, and gets reaction to the announcement.

NHS staff will find a link to the "response form" here

Further information:

TUC protest over pension proposal

Pension changes provoke anger

External internet links and helplines

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Claiming for storm damage

Insurance companies reported a surge in enquiries after strong winds and rain caused widespread damage to property.

Malcolm Tarling of the Association of British Insurers gave his advice to people wanting to make a claim.

Further information:

External internet links and helplines

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Conservatives' reveal pension 'option'

The Conservative Party has become the first to consider restoring the dividend tax credit for pension funds which the government controversially removed in 1997.

The party has included the proposal in "six options for action" to encourage a savings culture which they say was "killed off by Labour".

Further information:

External internet links and helplines

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MMO2 offer to small investors

Mobile phone group MMO2 is to make an offer to buy out small investors in order to reduce the fragmented nature of its shareholder base.

It is offering to buy back shares at an extra 5 pence per share. Investors can remain shareholders, but they must tell the company by 9 March. If they do not, they will get the cash automatically.

Further information:

MMO2 offers small investor buyout

External internet links and helplines

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Revenue website suffers problems

Money Box has discovered that the Inland Revenue self-assessment website has not been working, just two weeks before people have to get their forms in.

Listeners have been e-mailing to say the site was down, and the Revenue confirmed to Money Box that there was a power failure on Saturday morning.

But they said that the systems should be up and running some time during Saturday afternoon.

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Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Jennifer Clarke
Reporter: Samantha Washington