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11/08/2010

Consumer affairs with Shari Vahl. Energy use figures show carbon output from homes at 1990 levels, scientists take on engineers in funding row, and the crisis in fostering.

Consumer affairs with Shari Vahl. New energy use figures show power stations and industry are doing well. They are more efficient than ever and emitting fewer tonnes of greenhouse gases but the same cannot be said for our homes where carbon output remains at 1990 levels, despite twenty years of improved insulation and more efficient appliances.

Scientists and Engineers usually present a common front when it comes to funding and supporting each others endeavours but the Royal Society has reacted angrily to the Royal Academy of Engineering's plea to the government to show funding favour to the 'doers' rather than the 'thinkers'.

Small firms of solicitors say they are struggling to cope with increases in compulsory professional insurance premiums and warn that the high street solicitor could become endangered, leaving the consumer with less choice and inevitably higher fees.

Children's services have been hit hard by cuts and in the latest of his reports on how local authorities are coping with constrictions in their budgets, Greg Wood highlights the crisis in fostering where the numbers of children in need of placement are rising year on year.

Available now

53 minutes

Last on

Wed 11 Aug 2010 12:00

Chapters

  • Jumpers

    Britain's power stations and industry have reduced their emissions significantly in the last year but thanks to something called the 'rebound effect' our homes carbon footprint remains at 1990 levels.

    Duration: 07:24

  • Renters

    More than 14% of us rent from private landlords and with fewer first time buyers coming into the market - now pensions funds are looking to invest in a sector that's currently worth Β£500 billion.

    Duration: 03:32

  • LA Cuts

    Fostering services run by local councils say they are facing a double whammy- much greater demand but less cash to service it.

    Duration: 04:56

  • Solicitors

    Increases in professional insurance fees for solicitors are rising so fast- fuelled by personal injury claims- that single and family practioners fear hundreds could go out of business.

    Duration: 07:51

  • Toothpaste

    Third in the series looking at consumer goods and the health claims that are at the heart of their marketing and promotion ; this week, Toothpaste.

    Duration: 13:36

  • Face the Facts

    Attempts to speed up delays to the coroners' service in England and Wales have been put on hold - an investigatin by Face the Facts has revealed.

    Duration: 03:31

  • Engineers

    The Royal Academy of Engineering has upset scientists by claiming that in the event of cuts they have a better claim on funding because in tough economic times 'doers' are better value for money.

    Duration: 09:11

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 Aug 2010 12:00
  • Wed 11 Aug 2010 12:04

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