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Logbook loans, Private health insurance, Delivery drivers

There are calls for tighter regulation of logbook loans. Is it right for GPs to routinely ask patients if they have private health insurance, to try to save NHS money?

There are calls for new legislation to protect people who buy a used car, without realising it's subject to a logbook loan. These are loans which are secured against cars. If the borrower defaults, the vehicle can be repossessed. But if the car is sold on, before the debt is paid, the new buyer can be forced to give up the car or face paying off someone else's loan.

Family doctors in parts of Essex are being urged to ask patients to consider using private health insurance, if they have it, in an attempt to save the NHS money. Local NHS commissioners say they are struggling to meet the increasing demand for services, and it's just a way to make people aware of the choices available to them. But GP leaders have objected and say that it could lead some patients to believe that they ought to buy health insurance or feel bad about using NHS services.

The government has asked HM Revenue and Customers to consider looking into employment practices at the delivery company, Hermes. The firm's couriers don't necessarily get the minimum wage because they're paid per parcel, and are considered self-employed. We hear from a Hermes driver, who thinks that's unfair. The company says it is committed to ensuring that everyone at Hermes operates in a supportive and compassionate manner, and its code of conduct states couriers should be treated with "dignity and respect".

Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
Presenter: Winifred Robinson.

Available now

45 minutes

Chapters

  • Logbook Loans

    The woman with a car she dare not use due to a hidden debt form a previous owner

    Duration: 05:15

  • Cigar Lounges

    The businesses that gets an exemption on the smoking ban as customers sample cigars

    Duration: 05:50

  • Care At Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

    How are local councils responding to new guidelines on home care visits for older people?

    Duration: 08:30

  • Council Energy

    Local authorities buy into renewable energy schemes

    Duration: 05:56

  • Hermes Driver

    As HMRC investigate pay and work conditions, we speak to a Hermes delivery driver

    Duration: 05:47

  • Private Health Insurance

    GPs in parts of Essex are urged to ask patients if they have private health insurance

    Duration: 06:14

Broadcast

  • Mon 12 Sep 2016 12:15

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