You and Yours

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You and Yours: Repossessions, Book Subscriptions, Homelessness

24/12/2020

Repossessions, Book Subscriptions, Homelessness

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, Repossessions, Book Subscriptions, Homelessness

Homeowners at risk of repossession. Popularity of book subscriptions. Homelessness fears.

The homeowners at risk of repossession because of coronavirus.
Buying direct from your local bookshop even when it's closed.
Fears that homelessness is on the rise again.

Nearly three million homeowners have had to take mortgage holidays this year to cope financially during the pandemic. The Financial Conduct Authority says more temporary measures might still be needed to help people manage their mortgage repayments and avoid repossession next year. At the moment those in financial difficulties can apply for a mortgage holiday of up to six months. We return to the story of a single mother of a baby son who was forced to give up work during the pandemic. She's been buying a share in a flat in London for the last 17 years through a housing association and fears repossession. We also also speak to Victoria Moffett from the National Housing Federation.

Book subscriptions aren't a new idea but they've really grown in popularity this year. They've particularly helped local bookshops to keep selling direct to their customers even when they've been closed during lockdown.  Customers agree to pay a set amount each month to a bookshop or publisher who then choose titles for them.  We hear from a book blogger and author about what made them sign up for one. We also speak to Philip Jones, Editor of The Bookseller, the trade magazine for the publishing industry.

Charities say they fear homelessness could be on the rise again despite big efforts to get people off the streets at the start of the first lockdown in March. The campaign called Everybody In involved putting up homeless people in hotels in England  which were closed for business. Our reporter Melanie Abbott has been to see what one charity is doing to help. 

Presenter: Winifred Robinson
Producer: Tara Holmes

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