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Bad news for drivers as car insurance soars

Why the cost of car insurance is on the rise, what a cap on pensions exit fees really means and councils consulting on a support cut for the least well-off council tax payers.

There's been a marked increase in car insurance premiums despite the Government promising to bring them down in the most recent Autumn Statement. The AA says that the average cost to insure your car rose more than 拢100 at the end of 2015 compared with a year earlier whilst the Government currently consults on new measures to crack down on whiplash claims which they estimate will reduce bills by 拢50. We investigate.

As local authorities find themselves ever more strapped for cash, we look at plans to cut support for less well off council tax payers. Who will be worse affected?

This week the Chancellor announced his intention to introduce a cap on 'excessive' pension exit fees. Mr Osborne said that the Government wasn't prepared to stand by and see people being ripped off or blocked from accessing their own money. But is this really a win win for consumers or just political spin?

On 1 February MPs will vote on the motion 'This House has no confidence in the Financial Conduct Authority'. It is the first time parliament has voted on such a motion about any regulator. It follows accusations that the regulator is going soft on the banks which have been strongly denied. We report on the growing crisis at the FCA.

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Alex Lewis
Editor: Andrew Smith.

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30 minutes

MONEYBOX

Car Insurance:

British Insurance Premium Index:

Council Tax:

Council Tax Support:听听

Pensions exit fees:

Fee cap announcement:

听听

FCA:

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  • Sat 23 Jan 2016 12:04
  • Sun 24 Jan 2016 21:00

The Death of Retirement

The Death of Retirement

Money Box explores what retirement might look like in the future,

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