Loan broker's expired credit licence

BBC Radio 4's Money Box Saturday, 16 May 2009 at 1204 BST On Radio 4 and Online Listen to the programme Programme transcript (14 pages)

The BBC has discovered that the UK's largest sub-prime loan broker, Yes Loans, has been allowed to run on an expired credit licence for almost a year.

The company is effectively run by a man who has obtained an exemption from a 10 year ban for "serious misconduct".

It is accused of not making it easy for customers who want refunds, which is a breach of consumer regulation.

And campaign groups say the Office of Fair Trading and the government are not protecting the public.

Samantha Washington reports for Money Box.

Further information:

MPs' expenses

The revelations have been dominating the headlines

Is the Palace of Westminster the world's most exclusive tax haven?

After all, 646 people can be paid the equivalent of the average wage to buy homes, furnish them and fill the fridge with food without paying a penny in tax or National Insurance on the money. Why?

And what would it cost to pay them all the equivalent of £24,222 - the new level for this allowance - with their pay?

We ask John Whiting of accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Further information:

Bank forecasts slow recovery

What will it take to get shoppers back into the High Street?

The UK economic recovery is likely to be slow and over a longer period of time than first thought, the Bank of England has said.

The Bank has cut its growth forecast over the next two years and raised its estimate for inflation since February.

At the same time, Bank of England Governor Mervyn King admitted it was too soon to calculate whether the extended policy of quantitative easing was being successful.

The Bank has been pumping money into the banking system to stimulate the economy.

Some analysts are warning that quantitative easing could lead to rising inflation once the economy begins to pick up.

George Magnus, senior economic adviser to UBS, and independent economist Ros Altman join us to debate this.

Further information:

Savings rates

Is it worth locking your money away to get a high interest rate?

The rates offered on the best savings accounts have finally begun to rise.

You can now get 4% if you are prepared to tie your money up for five years.

We look at the best deals and weigh up the pros and cons of locking your cash away.

We are joined by Clare Francis of comparison website moneysupermarket.com.

Further information:

Consumer action

Consumers are attempting to get their card debts cancelled

Thousands of people who have gone to claims firms in the hope of having their loan and credit card debts written off may soon be affected a proposed test case.

The companies are using the Consumer Credit Act to look for mistakes in credit agreements which could make them unenforceable.

Bob Howard reports.

Further information:

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

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

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