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Friday, 15 June 2007, 12:58 GMT 13:58 UK

Limit set for new pension scheme

BBC Radio 4's Money Box
Saturday 16 June at 1204 BST
On Radio 4 and Online
£5, £10, and £20 note

The government has unveiled details of how much we could be paying into personal accounts in the National Pensions Saving Scheme due to be introduced in 2012.

The scheme is part of reforms designed to encourage us to save more for our old age.

On Saturday's programme, we spoke to Pensions Minister James Purnell and Caroline Slocock, chief executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Further information:


Shared Appreciation Mortgages

Members of SAFE protest at the Treasury (Photo: SAFE)

A rescue package has been announced for thousands of elderly people who have been unable to move home because of a controversial loan they took out in the late 90s.

Barclays says it will provide financial help to up to 2,500 customers who took out Shared Appreciation Mortgages.

Money Box's Chris A'Court reported.

SAM customers who think they may be eligible for the hardship scheme should ring 0800 023 2981 (lines open Monday, 18 June) or call SAFE on 0208 630 9990.

Further information:


Advice commission

Coins Financial advisers should no longer be paid by commission, says the chairman of the panel which represents consumer interests to the regulator.

John Howard says mis-selling scandals can be traced back to commission and he says consumer confidence in financial services would be restored if it ended.

We spoke to John Howard of the Financial Services Consumer Panel and Chris Cummings of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers.

Further information:


Card repayments

A credit card Some major credit card firms are cutting the minimum amount customers must pay off their card bills each month.

They say it gives customers greater financial flexibility.

But it also means customers could be in debt for longer and pay much more interest in the long run.

We spoke to Ian Barber of Barclaycard, one of the firms involved.

Further information:


Small business tax

George Osborne, Britain's shadow chancellor of the exchequer The Conservatives have promised to reverse increases in the rate of tax paid by small businesses.

They have also said they will reduce red tape in the administration of tax and VAT.

And they will allow all parents to ask for flexible working.

We spoke to shadow chancellor George Osborne about the plans.

Further information:


OTHER NEWS

Paid annual leave for full-time employees is to rise from 20 to 24 days in October, and then to 28 days from April 2009. The government says six million workers will benefit.


BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Saturday, 16 June 2007 at 1204 BST.

The programme was repeated on Sunday, 17 June 2007 at 2102 BST.




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