High Street Reopens, Used Car Demand, Debt Advice Funding

Available for over a year

Most retailers reopen in England for the first time since the start of lockdown. We'll have live footfall figures, and will be talking to shoppers in Liverpool. High streets will look considerably different, councils and shopping centres will have to allow for social distancing. Seating areas may be removed, and one way systems and queuing areas introduced, how will it affect the shopping experience? Many big retailers have already announced store closures. We'll be looking at the shops big and small that will never reopen on the high street. Passengers on public transport will now be required to face masks. We look at whether people will choose to drive instead, and if it will lead to increased demand for second hand cars. Car showrooms opened a fortnight ago, and dealerships are reporting strong sales so far. The government has increased the budget for debt advice by 60% for this year. The Money and Pension Service, which funds debt advice in England has predicted that the number of people in need of debt support will increase from 5 million to 8 million people in the next 18 months. We ask them how they'll be spending the extra money, in an industry that was already struggling with demand before coronavirus. Presented by Winifred Robinson. Produced by Beatrice Pickup.