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Britain's cost of living

How are people in the UK coping with rising prices?

The UK has its fourth prime minister in six years. Conservative leader Liz Truss has immediately set out a plan to help with people’s soaring energy bills, food and petrol prices. And then there is the challenge of strikes over pay and a record number of people waiting for treatment by the country’s national health service.

Host James Reynolds brings together two public sector workers – Kailee, a care home nurse in Lincoln and Alice, a music teacher in Hertfordshire. Kailee tells us how she can no longer always afford treats for her children and drives slower to save a little money on fuel. Alice, meanwhile, seeks discounts and has begun teaching privately to help make ends meet.

We’ve also been hearing the conversations in the city of Derby – a place that was at the heart of the industrial revolution but now faces harsh economic challenges. A hairdresser, ice cream maker and striking postal worker tell how much money they have in their purses.

And three small business owners – who run a shop, a pub and a restaurant – discuss the prospect of fewer customers. Pub owner, Anne tells us of the importance of small businesses, like hers, to the community: “We’re community hubs, all the restaurants, the little shops and if they all close because we can’t afford it, what is the country going to come to then?â€

(Photo: File photo dated 03/02/22 of an online energy bill, as almost half of Britons questioned on the UK's current energy crisis blame the Government more than the energy firms, according to a new poll. PA Photo. Issue date: Friday August 26, 2022 Credit: Jacob King/PA Wire)

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23 minutes

Last on

Sun 11 Sep 2022 00:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 10 Sep 2022 08:06GMT
  • Sat 10 Sep 2022 23:06GMT
  • Sun 11 Sep 2022 00:06GMT