Main content

Unfair and inefficient - why is the university clearing system so slow to improve?

A-level results are out today, and those who don't make the grade will be calling clearing. Dubbed unfair and inefficient, does the clearing system offer students what they need?

A level results are out today and the disappointed thousands who don't make the grade will be calling "clearing" to find a university place. Dubbed "unfair and inefficient" why is the university clearing system taking so long to improve?

How can you kick start new building and encourage affordable housing? The government has announced it will look again at the obligation for developers to provide social housing with this aim. So will it work?

We hear from Blackpool where the Primary Care Trust and Council are working together to ban smoking in parks and playgrounds. Is this the right way to encourage people to give up, or too "nanny state"?

Tiny print, not comparing like with like, and not applicable to special offers - MP Jo Swinson is proposing changes to the unit pricing laws that should stamp out dodgy supermarket practices and give consumers a better deal.

Why Ikea, the flat-pack furniture provider, is moving into the hotel business.

And we hear from the listeners who claim their lives are being ruined by the vibrations from a nearby railway line.

Presenter: Julian Worricker
Producer: Rebecca Moore.

Available now

41 minutes

Chapters

  • Clearing Reforms

    As around 50,000 people are expected to begin the process of clearing today, we look into criticsms that it is "unfair and inefficent".

    Duration: 05:54

  • Smoking Ban

    Blackpool plans to ban smoking in parks to help improve the areas health. Will it work, and is this a good way to go about it?

    Duration: 06:05

  • Vibrating Homes

    A rail line in north east London is carrying increasing passenger and freight services. But residents living near it say their homes are vibrating day and night as trains pass.

    Duration: 12:25

  • Affordable Housing

    To ‘kickstart housebuilding’ the government will look again at the obligation for developers to provide affordable housing; the Montague Review is looking at investment in the private rental sector.

    Duration: 06:48

  • Unit Price Reform

    Jo Swinson MP hopes to change the law to make it easier for customers to compare like with like in supermarkets and not be fooled by dodgy offers.

    Duration: 04:27

Broadcast

  • Thu 16 Aug 2012 12:00

Health

Health

A selection of the best health advice and discussions from You & Yours.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

From hanging wallpaper to takeaway apps, some of our favourite features about lifestyle.