Banks bar fee challengers

BBC Radio 4's Money Box Saturday 10 June, 1204 BST Sunday 11 June, 2102 BST On Radio 4 and online Programme transcript

Banks have begun closing the accounts of customers who challenge them over charges after a surge in consumer action.

Some banks have had to pay out thousands of pounds to people who have threatened to sue over what they say are unfair and illegal charges.

But now, some of those people are being told their accounts will close because their relationship with the bank has broken down.

HAVE YOUR SAY Is the consumer action on charges justified? Is the banks' decision to close their accounts a fair response? Read your comments

On Money Box on Saturday, we spoke to Ginny Broad from Alliance & Leicester on why it has decided to close some customer accounts.

We also heard from Marc Gander of the website Consumer Action Group which encourages people to challenge their bank charges.

And we discussed the issue with Joanna Elson, executive director of the British Bankers' Association.

Further information:

Banks fight back on court action

Bank bars overdraft charge rebels

External links and helplines

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Tax credits report

Tax credits have boosted the incomes of around 6m families

HM Revenue & Customs has not recognised the extent to which its own mistakes have caused overpayments of tax credits, according to MPs.

A Treasury committee said in a report this week that the system will not improve until HMRC develops a detailed understanding of the factors behind overpayments.

It also said the system needs to focus more closely on the needs of the claimants.

Last year, £2bn was overpaid in tax credits and there is concern the subsequent clawback of that money has caused hardship.

We spoke to Chris Pond, chief executive of One Parent Families about the MPs' findings and recommendations.

Further information:

MPs criticise tax credits again

Q&A: Tax credit problems

Inside Money: Taking the credit

External links and helplines

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Boiler room warning

The scamsters use high pressure cold call sales tactics

UK investors are continuing to fall victim to overseas investment scams which are costing them thousands of pounds, the financial regulator has said.

So-called boiler rooms are based abroad and cold call people pretending to sell golden opportunities to invest in companies before the share price rises strongly.

Sometimes the companies are genuine but the shares may be worthless, or the money is taken but never invested.

Investor Chris Brown told Money Box how he was conned by one such scam and we spoke to Jonathan Phelan, head of retail enforcement at the Financial Services Authority.

Further information:

Share scam warning to consumers

External links and helplines

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Trust tax changes

Lawyers had feared millions would have to review their wills

Proposed changes to the way trusts are taxed have been amended after the government faced fierce opposition to its plans.

It was criticised for its lack of consultation on the issue after the Budget and publication of the Finance Bill in April.

Tax specialists said the new proposals left millions of people needing to review their finances and alter their wills.

This week major amendments to the rules were quietly tabled in parliament.

Money Box asked barrister and trust specialist Emma Chamberlain to explain the details.

Further information:

Tax climbdown on wills welcomed

External links and helplines

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Producer: Jessica Laugharne
Presenter: Paul Lewis