Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

You and Yours

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Consumer

BBC Radio 4 FM

You and Yours: Legal highs ban, Stamp duty confusion, Shopping local

money-box_190414_e_el-pa.jpg

30/06/2016

Legal highs ban, Stamp duty confusion, Shopping local

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, Legal highs ban, Stamp duty confusion, Shopping local

A look at how the East of England Co-op runs its business.

Consumer affairs programme. A month since a UK ban was introduced on legal highs, what affect has that had? Some charities say they're now being sold illegally.

Earlier this year so-called legal highs were hit with a nationwide blanket ban. It's now an offence to produce, sell, import or export new psychoactive substances and anyone convicted can get up to seven years in prison. When the new Bill was introduced there were fears it would create a black market with the drugs still being sold on the streets. Now, some charities say that's exactly what's happening. The charity Changing Lives in Newcastle says they're still being sold despite the ban, affecting the most vulnerable people. The Home Office says arrests are being made and many head shops, selling the drugs, have now closed down.

In an effort to help first time buyers the Government has introduced changes to Stamp Duty. Since April anyone buying a home that is not their main residence has had to pay a 3% Stamp Duty surcharge. There are some exemptions but the Residential Landlords Association says they're causing confusion which could result in some buyers being overcharged. HMRC says the guidance is easy to use.

How often do you shop local? A YouGov survey of two thousand people has suggested over half of shoppers buy local produce at least once a year. They listed quality, the creation of local jobs and benefit to the local economy as the main reasons for doing so. But why is that important? The research was commissioned by the East of England Co-op - one of ten big regional co-operatives in the UK - and it says good relationships with local suppliers are key to its business.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

You and Yours

Legal highs ban, Stamp duty confusion, Shopping local

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4