PCR Test Delays; Kitchen Islands; Heat Pumps

Available for over a year

You & Yours has been contacted by many listeners unhappy about delays in receiving Covid-19 testing kits and results. The government's traffic light system requires PCR testing on return from green and amber countries, and many destinations require you to take a test before you go. We've heard from listeners who have missed flights, or had to self isolate for more than ten days as a result of delays. We'll speak to the CEO of one of the approved testing companies, Atruchecks, about some of the reasons behind those delays. Cookery TV shows often feature kitchen islands where celeb chefs prepare perfect feasts. For many a kitchen island is the centrepiece of their dream kitchen. But might it fall out of fashion? Architect, interior designer and TV presenter Róisín Murphy thinks so. We'll hear why an island won't be featuring in her new kitchen. From 2025, new gas boilers will no longer be used in new build homes, and the government wants them to be phased out over the next decade. Air source and ground source heat pumps have been identified as a possible alternative - they're already available and government would like to ramp up installations from around 30,000 a year to 600,000 by 2028. However heat pumps may not be an easy swap for all homes. Research by the Energy and Utilities Alliance found that as much as 54% of homes currently using gas could require significant works in order for heat pumps to operate effectively. We'll hear from listeners who have chosen to install heat pumps in their homes. Presented by Shari Vahl Produced by Beatrice Pickup