麻豆社

Earlier this year so-called legal highs were hit with a nationwide blanket ban. It's now an offence to produce, sell, import or export new psychoactive substances and anyone convicted can get up to seven years in prison. When the new Bill was introduced there were fears it would create a black market with the drugs still being sold on the streets. Now, some charities say that's exactly what's happening. The charity Changing Lives in Newcastle says they're still being sold despite the ban, affecting the most vulnerable people. The Home Office says arrests are being made and many head shops, selling the drugs, have now closed down.

In an effort to help first time buyers the Government has introduced changes to Stamp Duty. Since April anyone buying a home that is not their main residence has had to pay a 3% Stamp Duty surcharge. There are some exemptions but the Residential Landlords Association says they're causing confusion which could result in some buyers being overcharged. HMRC says the guidance is easy to use.

How often do you shop local? A YouGov survey of two thousand people has suggested over half of shoppers buy local produce at least once a year. They listed quality, the creation of local jobs and benefit to the local economy as the main reasons for doing so. But why is that important? The research was commissioned by the East of England Co-op - one of ten big regional co-operatives in the UK - and it says good relationships with local suppliers are key to its business.