08/01/2014
Energy companies are pulling ECO work due to uncertainty over green taxes. Plus Michael Mosely and the eight-minute workout, high street business rates, and the Blue Badge scheme.
Millions of pounds worth of work making homes more energy efficient has ceased or is about to be cancelled because of uncertainty about green subsidies. The work relies on money from energy companies. It's the ECO funding we pay for through our bills which adds nine percent to prices - on average we each pay about Β£112 a year towards it.
High business rates contributed to the decline of Blockbuster says the administrator. At the time they went into administration they were paying 10% of their turn over in business rates. But now new research suggests that had the revaluation gone ahead then shops in Greater Manchester would be paying Β£60m less and shops in Bond street Β£60m more. So just how unfair is the current business rate system?
The Blue Badge scheme is designed to help park your car closer to where you want to be if you're disabled. As parking becomes more expensive, there has been a rise in the number of incidents of fraud involving the Blue Badge. In an effort to prevent fraud the Government changed the the way people apply for their badges. But that has meant a longer wait for a badge and if you don't display your Blue Badge you are likely to get a penalty.
High Intensity Training or HIT is the latest big thing in the world of getting fit. It need only last minutes and devotees say it get you healthier faster than an hour at the gym. So what is the science behind HIT? Dr Michael Mosley tells us why it worked for him.
Last on
Chapters
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Business Rates
Is it time to cut business rates on the high street?
Duration: 06:00
Blue Badges
Has the new application process helped to cut fraud?
Duration: 04:31
Eco Funding- green subsidies
Why aren't they working?
Duration: 08:57
Michael Mosley - fast exercise
The eight minute fitness programme
Duration: 03:57
Broadcasts
- Wed 8 Jan 2014 12:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
- Wed 8 Jan 2014 12:04Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 LW