First Homes Scheme; Weddings; Hospitality Workers

Available for over a year

Experts predict huge demand in a new government scheme offering huge discounts on homes. The First Homes Scheme that offers first time buyers up to 50% discounts is designed to be the government's preferred form of affordable housing, however some experts are warning that demand will exceed supply and potentially impact already increasing high prices in the housing market. We speak to the Housing Minister. Despite the initial high costs of electric vehicles, has it now become more economical than buying and running a diesel or petrol car? As consumers look to make the switch ahead of the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel models in 2030, we look at the most affordable way to go electric now. Nearly a quarter of a million weddings had to be postponed last year. It's therefore no surprise that an estimated 800,000 weddings are due to take place within the next 24 months. The majority of them due to take place in the summer. But with restrictions currently still in place, are many people just gambling on whether they can have the day of their dreams? According to Friends of the Earth, during one week's voyage, a large cruise ship can produce 10 swimming pools worth of human sewage and a million gallons of waste water - most of which is often pumped into the sea. We look at what the industry is doing about the environmental impact their ships are having on oceans. The staff shortages in hospitality are so bad that some businesses say they don't have enough staff to operate. UK Hospitality, the body that represents the industry, says 9% of jobs are currently vacant - that's a shortage of more 188 thousand workers. But in some places, there's an added problem that workers can't find anywhere affordable to live. Presenter: Winifred Robinson Producer: Jay Unger