Lower energy bills? Use a spreadsheet!
What can the government do about the two thirds of energy customers stuck on the most expensive tariff? Plus a 'simple' guide to topping up a contracted out pension, and TalkTalk.
This week Prime Minister Theresa May strongly hinted of government intervention in the energy market as part of her closing address to the Conservative Party Conference. She said it was 'not right' that two thirds of energy customers are stuck on the most expensive tariffs. We speak to Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy UK about Theresa May's threat to intervene.
We also meet serial switcher Peter Nadin, who eschews the use of price comparison websites in favour of negotiating with energy companies direct.
The former Pensions Minister Steve Webb has written a guide to help people who were 'contracted out' top up their State Pension at bargain rates. It's a complex area so can anyone understand it other than him? We get Money Box listener Dave Hoddell to road test his guide.
And Talk Talk have been fined for failing to protect Talk Talk customer data but customers are still receiving phone calls from criminals posing as Talk Talk customer service staff.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Alex Lewis
Reporter: Ed Davey
Editor: Andrew Smith.
Last on
Chapters
Energy Markets
Theresa May wants to intervene but what do the energy companies think?
Duration: 07:33
Top up your state pension
A newly released guide explains how you may be able to boost your pension
Duration: 05:07
TalkTalk fined
TalkTalk is fined for failing to protect customer data but scam calls are still happening
Duration: 06:20
Flash Crash
What does Friday’s flash crash mean for the money in your pocket?
Duration: 03:33
Related Links
Pensions
Can I top up my State Pension? Which?
Royal London - Guide to topping up your pension
DWP State Pension top up calculator
Locking the Door on the Older Old: the Challenge Facing Britain's Banks – The Finance Foundation
Energy
CMA energy market investigation
Switch energy supplier - Citizen's Advice
BBC News Online - One man's bid to get the best energy deal
Peter Nadin spreadsheet email address: [email protected]
TalkTalk
Information Commissioner’s Office – How the investigation unfolded
BBC News Online - TalkTalk Fine
How Money Box has reported the TalkTalk data breach
We call the TalkTalk criminals back
TalkTalk boss Dido Harding in front of the Select Committee
Details of TalkTalk engineer home visits fall into the hands of criminals
Broadcasts
- Sat 8 Oct 201612:04BBC Radio 4
- Sun 9 Oct 201621:00BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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Money Box
The latest news from the world of personal finance



