Puppy Imports, Buying a Flat, Food Security
Increased demand for puppies has been a boost to the puppy trade. The numbers of puppies imported into the UK has more than doubled this summer.
Increased demand for puppies during lockdown has been a boost to the puppy trade. The numbers of puppies imported into the UK has significantly increased this summer. More than 12,000 import licences were issued for dogs across June, July and August this year, that compares to 5,000 licences for the same period last year. A new law in England bans the third party of sale of dogs, and requires owners to see the puppy at home with its mum. This rule, Lucy's Law, doesn't apply to breeders registered abroad however. We hear from animal welfare charities about some of the condition some dogs have been found in.
Lenders have withdrawn a lot of the mortages that first time buyers need - the 90% mortgages where you put down a 10% deposit. Before the lockdown, 90% mortgages were widely available, now only ten lenders are still offering them, and they're reluctant to offer them for flats we hear from one person struggling to buy their flat and ask why the offers are so different..
It's exactly six months since the Prime Minister ordered a national lockdown in March. At the time empty supermarket shelves led to accusations of stockpiling and concerns about food security.Tim Lang, Professor of Food Policy at City University London says the government needs a national food strategy. He says the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the poorest in society and their access to healthy food. We hear his recommendations.
Presented by Winifred Robinson.
Produced by Beatrice Pickup.