Paul Lewis speaks to the man responsible for pension reform
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BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Saturday, 8 October, 2005, at 1204 BST.
The programme was repeated on Sunday, 9 October, 2005, at 2102 BST.
The new government fund designed to protect pensions could actually lead to the closure of many schemes, a new report has claimed.
It said employers are so concerned about "a business risk over which they feel they have no control" they plan to get out of defined benefit provision as soon as they can.
The Pensions Institute was looking at the Pensions Protection Fund which began in April and guarantees that if pension schemes are wound up, members will be guaranteed up to 90% of their promised benefits.
Responding to the report, the Confederation of British Industry said there is increasing alarm over contribution costs and the liabilities the fund is taking on.
We heard from Anthony Thompson, Director of Employment and Pensions at the CBI, and spoke to the Minister of State for Pensions Reform Stephen Timms.
Related information:
Card providers up rates and charges
Barclaycard is one the providers raising charges and rates
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Evidence is emerging that card companies are adopting less favourable rates and policies, just as consumers show signs of "tightening their belts".
Barclaycard has announced it is significantly increasing interest rates and charges from next month.
Meanwhile, MBNA is introducing a new annual fee of between £15 and £25 which will affect 40,000 selected customers.
We heard from affected listeners and spoke to money saving expert Martin Lewis.
Further information:
Concern over debt 'charging orders'
A charging order is sometimes placed on the borrower's home
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Money Box investigated a growing practice by lenders trying to recover debt from borrowers who default on repayments.
Major high street banks are among those converting "unsecured" loans into "secured" loans by use of a legal procedure called a "charging order".
When debts are secured this way it means the money will be reclaimed from the proceeds when a house is sold.
Leading debt counsellors say the use of charging orders is becoming more common and is undermining their work with people in debt.
They say changes should be made to the way loans and credit cards are marketed.
Louise Greenwood reported.
Further information:
Soccer Sipp offer to fans
IFA and football fan Dave Stone designed the scheme
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Bournemouth football supporters are being given the opportunity to invest in the club through a Standard Life Self Invested Personal Pension.
Local IFA Burgess & Lee wants around 50 people to transfer money into the scheme.
Money Box asked if this is a potentially good investment or one with substantial risk.
We spoke to an investor and also to the man who designed the scheme, IFA Dave Stone from Burgess & Lee in Bournemouth.
Other news
Positive news this weekend for charities and people who like to give to charity.
Up to now if you took advantage of Gift Aid when donating over the phone or through the internet, the charity had to write to you asking for your permission to claim Gift Aid, costing them time and money. But from next month they will not need to.
Using Gift Aid adds another 28p for every pound donated.
Further information:
Producer: Chris A'Court
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Louise Greenwood
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