Local energy advice service backs campaign to save 'vital' Radio 4 consumer programme

Local energy advice service Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) is backing the campaign to reverse the BBC's decision to axe Radio 4’s 'vital' You and Yours consumer programme. The decision by the BBC's bosses and board to axe You and yours next April is part of a raft of cuts aimed at generating £500m in savings for the corporation. ESC is urging East Sussex residents to sign a national petition opposing the closure, which already has over 12,000 people signatories. It can be signed here: https://tinyurl.com/saveyouandyours.

The petition notes that: 'For more than 50 years, BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours has been a voice for ordinary consumers, exposing injustice, challenging powerful organisations and helping listeners navigate often complex issues. Now, its future is under threat. At a time when millions of people are struggling with the cost of living, rising bills, scams, poor customer service and unfair treatment, we need You and Yours more than ever. The programme does something that few others can. It gives ordinary people a national platform, investigates the problems they face and demands answers from businesses, regulators and politicians.'

According to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, of which ESC is a member, the programme 'has provided vital airtime to discuss and analyse energy issues affecting millions of people', including the forced prepayment meters scandal, the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off, Winter Fuel Payments and energy scams.

A statement issued by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) BBC Audio Chapel notes that You and yours 'is the perfect example of public service broadcasting. The programme has charted the growth of fraud and scams for 20 years - long before fraud featured in the British Crime Survey. It has recovered millions of pounds in total for victims of crime and led to reform in laws and regulations on online banking security, gambling, and insurance terms and conditions. The BBC’s decision to cut You and Yours alongside other much-loved TV and radio programmes utterly undermines the BBC’s core mission to "act in the public interest" and provide "high-quality and distinctive output".'

Energise Sussex Coast director Kate Meakin said: 'Whether it is exposing unfairness in the energy system, investigating consumer scams, challenging companies over poor treatment or explaining people’s rights, You and Yours provides a vital public service for all of us. At a time when consumer advice and enforcement services are already stretched, its role in helping people understand their rights and exposing problems that need wider action is more important than ever. We urge everyone to sign the petition opposing this decision and help to defend this vital resource for consumers.'

Founded in 2012, local community benefit cooperative Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) works to tackle the climate crisis and energy injustice through community-owned renewable power and energy-saving schemes. It runs a free Energy Advice service to help East Sussex residents to bring down the cost of their electricity, gas and water bills: 01424 390 062. This service provided over £880k in financial benefits to households across East Sussex, during the year-long period March 2025 – April 2026.