The East-West Energy Divide

Why does a family in Wrexham pay more for their energy than a family in Nottinghamshire? It's not because they use more gas and electricity. It's because people in more rural areas, further away from the energy source, are charged more. The cost of sending energy down the lines and pipes is greater for more remote areas, pushing up household prices. But is that fair and why is there not a universal charge? Kevin Peachey reports. Cash or pension? An NHS Trust is offering new recruits enhanced pay if they opt out of the NHS pension. Former pensions minister Steve Webb, who introduced auto-enrolment, tells Lesley Curwen why he thinks this is a worrying precedent. Could property crowdfunding schemes help young people get on the housing ladder? The Social Market Foundation says they provide people with an opportunity to keep up with property market inflation while they save for a deposit. But MoneyWeek editor Merryn Somerset Webb tells Lesley Curwen people need to be aware of the risks. Presenter: Lesley Curwen Producer: Ruth Alexander.