The chancellor said there needs to be "continuing reform"
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BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Saturday, 26 November, 2005, at 1204 GMT.
The programme was repeated on Sunday, 27 November, at 2102 GMT.
Chancellor Gordon Brown has ordered an inquiry into the leaking of a letter which suggested he was opposed to key parts of the Turner report on pensions.
The chancellor was accused of sabotaging the report by Conservative leader Michael Howard after its contents were made public by the Financial Times.
Since then, Mr Brown has insisted he is not anti-reform but could not back unaffordable proposals.
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PENSIONS PROGRAMME
Lord Adair Turner answers your questions on pensions reform on Thursday at 1204 GMT on BBC Radio 4
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The Pensions Commission is due to report on Wednesday, but the latest developments have led to fears it could be shelved.
Meanwhile, Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton outlined his vision for pensions reform in a speech on Thursday.
Mr Hutton said any proposals must be fair, affordable, simple, sustainable and must promote personal responsibility.
To discuss the issues we spoke to Alan Pickering, former head of the National Association of Pension Funds.
And we were joined by Mervyn Kohler, Head of Public Affairs at Help the Aged.
Further information:
Standard Life windfalls
The windfall shares are reported to be worth between £500 and £1000
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Nearly a million people stand to lose out on a shares windfall if Standard Life floats on the stock market next year.
Standard Life has revealed that 40% of its 2.4 million members have not replied to a letter asking them to confirm address and policy details, and until they do any windfall would be held back.
Meanwhile Money Box has details on how some joint policyholders, mainly women, will also not receive shares if the flotation happens.
Standard Life members with an enquiry can call: 0845 275 3000
Further information:
Credit card cheques
Interest rates are higher than on normal credit card purchases
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The government has launched a consultation following concerns people do not understand the cost of using credit card cheques.
It is considering regulation to ensure information on interest rates and charges is sent out with - or written on - the cheques.
Previously, some consumer groups and MPs had called for this marketing method to be banned.
We spoke to Peter Tutton of Citizens Advice, and Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe about the latest move.
Under the provisions of the Banking Code, you can contact your card company to tell them not to send you any unsolicited credit card cheques.
Further information:
Safety deposit boxes
Many people keep wills and house deeds in safe custody
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A high street bank is abandoning a facility that allows customers to have personal safety deposit boxes in the bank to store important documents and valuables.
Will other banks follow, and what alternatives to deposit boxes are available?
Sonia Rothwell reported.
Further information:
Should you marry a friend?
Some elderly people could benefit from a civil partnership
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Two elderly people of the same sex can effectively "marry" and reap tax benefits when the Civil Partnership Act begins.
Head of Taxation at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Chas Roy-Chowdhury explained.
And we asked Mervyn Kohler of Help the Aged whether it believes elderly people should consider making such a move.
Further information:
Credit union changes
Some people who use credit unions will soon be able to save and borrow double what they can now.
The financial regulator has given approval for changes which also allow some credit unions to offer loans with repayments spread over 10 or even 25 years.
The chief executive of the credit union movement in the UK has welcomed the greater flexibility it gives unions to provide services that its members need.
Credit unions are often in areas where people are socially disadvantaged and cannot get bank accounts or credit.
Further information:
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Chris A'Court
Reporter: Sonia Rothwell
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