 | BBC Radio 4's Money Box Saturday, 14 April 2012 at 1204 BST On Radio 4 and Online |
People putting money into fine wine may have lost over £100m over the last four years through the collapse of investment firms, Money Box has learnt. It is estimated more than 50 such firms have collapsed in this time. One listener Money Box has spoken to believes she has lost the best part of £180,000. Bob Howard has been investigating: Related Links:
Royal Mail latest developments The Royal Mail has said they will prosecute anyone selling unfranked stamps for commercial gain after Money Box alerted them to adverts offering them on online auction sites. Ben Carter reports. Related Links:
Employment and Support Allowance If you are too ill to work there is a major change in your benefit entitlement in a couple of weeks. From 30 April, the new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will only last a year. If you have already been on it for a year it will stop. The change was introduced by the Welfare Reform Act which is intended to save money. Money Box hears from one listener, Vanessa, who is affected and Paul Lewis talks to Katie Lane head of welfare policy at Citizens Advice. Related Links:
Problems contacting HMRC Scores of listeners have contacted the programme complaining about being kept on hold for hours when trying to contact HMRC. One listener called the HMRC Self Assessment Helpline four times for a total of 90 minutes before giving up. This week the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group did a "mystery shop" calling HMRC helplines three times and were kept on hold for an average of 30 minutes. The campaign group highlights that a 29 minute call would cost £11.60 on a pay-as-you go mobile. We speak to Robin Williamson from the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group and get a response from HMRC. Related Links:
BBC Radio 4's Money Box is broadcast on Saturday at 1204 BST.
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