Campaign Collective is supporting calls for the BBC to rethink plans to axe the long-running consumer programme and instead build on its record of exposing injustice and holding powerful organisations to account.
Good campaigning needs a platform, and for more than 50 years BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours has provided one for people challenging unfair treatment and demanding change.
That’s why Campaign Collective is backing a petition to save You and Yours, calling on BBC bosses to keep the programme on Radio 4 and expand its reach through digital channels.
The BBC plans to end the programme in its current form from April 2027, replacing it with a new consumer offering. But the loss of such an established platform would be a blow to charities, campaigners and the consumers they represent.
The programme provides an invaluable opportunity to bring evidence of unfair practices and systemic problems to national attention, challenging businesses, regulators and politicians to respond.
Its investigations have helped recover millions of pounds for victims of crime and contributed to reforms in banking security, gambling regulations and insurance practices.
Campaign Collective has seen the importance of this work through its support for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition.
From the forced prepayment meters scandal and the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) switch-off to Winter Fuel Payments and energy scams, You and Yours has provided vital airtime to discuss and analyse energy issues affecting millions of people.
The programme has helped campaigners bring the experiences of people struggling with their energy bills into the national conversation, challenging decision-makers and highlighting where action is needed.
The BBC has said that a replacement consumer programme is being developed for broadcast and on-demand audiences. However, the petition argues that digital expansion should build on the success of You and Yours, rather than replace an established and trusted programme.
It also warns that moving consumer journalism towards digital-only platforms risks excluding some of the people who need it most, particularly older people, disabled people and those facing financial hardship.
Sarah Colombini, Founder Member said:
“You and Yours is exactly the kind of public service journalism we need more of, not less.
“For charities and campaigners, the programme provides something incredibly valuable: the opportunity to take evidence of injustice, give a voice to those affected and bring these issues to a national audience.
Simon Francis, Founder Member added:
“We’ve seen through our work with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition how important the programme has been in exposing problems in the energy market and challenging those responsible.
“But its impact extends well beyond energy. Its investigations have helped people recover money, exposed unfair practices and contributed to changes in the way businesses and regulators operate.
“This is the wrong decision by BBC bosses. The BBC should be building on the success of You and Yours, expanding its reach through digital channels while protecting its established place on Radio 4.”
The petition also highlights the importance of independent consumer journalism at a time when advice and enforcement services are already stretched.
Campaign Collective believes that protecting You and Yours is about more than saving a radio programme. It is about ensuring that ordinary people and the organisations representing them continue to have a powerful national platform to challenge injustice and bring about change.