大象传媒

The Government is planning new laws to protect consumers who find their subscriptions get automatically renewed - and that they can't cancel them. Subscription services - from Netflix to newspapers - have mushroomed to the extent that the Government estimates 拢1.6 billion is wasted on subscriptions consumers don't really want. A bill to clamp down on the so-called 'subscription trap' is going through Parliament, but business leaders say the measures being proposed are too onerous. Will the Government back down on the plans designed to protect consumers? We hear from a Business Minister.

The price of renting a home has been rising steadily for the last 12 months, and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is revealing the latest figures on whether that upward trend is finally shifting. The cost of renting has meant tough decisions for millions of renters - young and old. As the number of older renters is expected to rise to around 1.7 million over the next twenty years, we hear from one woman whose rent has doubled in recent months.

Two mobile phone giants - Vodafone and Three - have announced plans to merge by the end of the year in an 拢15 billion deal. The companies are promising better value and choice for mobile and broadband customers. But not everyone is in favour of the potential deal. Trades union Unite said the government 鈥渕ust step in and stop this reckless merger鈥�, arguing it will lead to job losses and push up bills. We question a key executive from Vodafone about how the proposed merger will be of benefit to customers.

And it's the start of the fourth Ashes test at Old Trafford. We hear from the English Cricket supporters' club the Barmy Army on the benefits of being a member...aside from a resident trumpet player!

PRESENTER: PETER WHITE
PRODUCER: CRAIG HENDERSON