Dear listener

Just what is a zero carbon home? They were thrust into the limelight this week by the chancellor announcing that they would be exempt from Stamp Duty from April. We find out what they are and what else the government could do to make our homes more energy efficient (zero carbon is the ultimate in energy efficiency by the way!)

There's a bit of a spat between the government and the insurance industry over life insurance which is sold as a pension so the premiums get tax relief. The government says this is a loophole it is closing. But the insurance companies say it is a u-turn that will damage customers' interests.

There's going to be more child benefit for new mums - but not until the April after the April after next.

We hear from customers of Cahoot complaining that their loans have just got a lot more expensive.

And the price of taking out a mortgage is rising. Eleven lenders have put up the cost of starting a mortgage - what they call arrangement fees. It can now cost many hundreds of pounds just to become a customer.

That's all in Money Box. Saturday at noon, Sunday at 9pm and anytime on the web - and there's more information on our website about these items now.

Best wishes,

Paul Lewis

e-mail Paul Lewis