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Episode details

Radio 4,11 Jan 2012,26 mins

11/01/2012

You and Yours

Available for over a year

With Shari Vahl. Less than half of the characters in The Archers could afford to live in Ambridge and in reality only 55% of newly forming households in rural areas are able to afford a house in their own backyard. Efforts to preserve our 'picture postcard' image of the countryside are creating exclusive rural communities, according to research by Professor Mark Shucksmith at Newcastle University's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. He joins the programme to discuss the need for affordable rural housing and plans to simplify and relax the planning laws. A free helpline for whistleblowers in the NHS and social services was launched at the start of the year. It's part of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's drive to ensure staff can raise "genuine concerns" about standards "without fear of reprisal". The Royal College of Nursing and NHS Employers (part of the NHS Confederation) join the programme. Producer Helen Roberts.

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