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11/01/2012

Consumer news with Shari Vahl. Featuring cheaper rural homes, and a new whistleblower helpline for NHS and social services staff.

With Shari Vahl.

Less than half of the characters in The Archers could afford to live in Ambridge and in reality only 55% of newly forming households in rural areas are able to afford a house in their own backyard. Efforts to preserve our 'picture postcard' image of the countryside are creating exclusive rural communities, according to research by Professor Mark Shucksmith at Newcastle University's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. He joins the programme to discuss the need for affordable rural housing and plans to simplify and relax the planning laws.

A free helpline for whistleblowers in the NHS and social services was launched at the start of the year.
It's part of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's drive to ensure staff can raise "genuine concerns" about standards "without fear of reprisal". The Royal College of Nursing and NHS Employers (part of the NHS Confederation) join the programme.

Producer Helen Roberts.

Available now

26 minutes

Last on

Wed 11 Jan 2012 12:00

Chapters

  • Sub-letting Council Houses

    The government are proposing new legislation to stop the sub-letting of social housing. With Housing Minister Grant Shapps.

    Duration: 05:21

  • Rural Housing

    A lack of affordable rural housing is resulting in the countryside becoming more and more exclusive according to new research by Professor Mark Shucksmith from Newcastle University.

    Duration: 07:43

  • NHS whistleblowing helpline

    A new helpline for NHS and social services staff was launched at the start of the year. Howard Catton from the Royal College of Nursing and Dean Royles join the programme.

    Duration: 07:43

  • ICT teaching in schools

    The Education Secretary wants ICT teaching in schools to be revamped. We ask Peter Barron from Google what needs to change...

    Duration: 03:28

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 Jan 2012 12:00
  • Wed 11 Jan 2012 12:04

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