BBC Radio Leeds features

WE'D LIKE TO CLAIM EXPENSES FOR

If MPs can put in expenses claims for swimming pool maintenance, a housekeeper and horse manure, what would you like to claim for? Here are your Top 5 Fantasy Expenses Claims, as compiled by listeners to Steve Bailey’s Big Drive Home…

1. “I work in Leeds, Bradford, Keighley & Skipton. Can I have FOUR home allowances please?” Keith in Haworth

2. “Can I claim for a rubber stamp to rubber stamp my other claims?” Alan

3. “I would like to claim back the price of my parents’ only home that had to be sold to pay for nursing home care.” Jenny in Yeadon.

4. “I’d like to claim back tax I paid whilst fighting in two conflicts (Iraq and Bosnia). I wasn’t in my country and also for the thousands of other squaddies . We shouldn’t have to pay tax if we are working overseas.” Martin

5. "Although I only live five doors away from a polling station, could I claim for a pair of shoes to go and vote?" Colin in Tyersal.

Email your fantasy expenses claims to westyorkshirewire@bbc.co.uk

CREDIT CRUNCH KIDS

So often we talk about the economic downturn from the perspective of financial experts, commentators and bankers, but our children and grandchildren are affected too – even though they’re too young to be worried about mortgages and redundancy.

I went to the Holy Trinity Catholic School in Keighley to talk to a group of pupils about how the credit crunch is affecting them. From picking up on parental arguments about money, to trying to cut back on crisps and fizzy drinks in an attempt to save money – these young people were savvy and responsible.

They’d also noticed a few upsides to the credit crunch, especially spending more time with dad now he isn’t working….

Listen to Nicole, Flavia, Lucinda, Jessica and Esme here

LIVE COMMENTARY ON THE BATTLE FOR WEMBLEY

Make sure you tune in to BBC Radio Leeds on Thursday when our sports team, including Adam Pope (right) will be providing live match commentary of Leeds United v Millwall from Elland Road.

Join Adam, Andy Ritchie and Gareth Jones from 7pm for Leeds’ crucial play-off match.

And from 4-7pm Steve Bailey will be broadcasting live from The Peacock Pub just outside the ground, to preview all the action.

If you’re organising or taking part in any events throughout the summer, then email westyorkshirewire@bbc.co.uk
and tell us about it. You never know, Ben could be pitching up at your event in the radiocar!

Alex Brown, Saturdays, 2-6pm

SHAHID HUSSAIN

Shahid produces Steve Bailey’s Big Drive Home, on air every weekday from 4-7pm.

Describes himself as:
Sometimes inconsistently unpredictable

Colleagues describe him as:
Big, bald and bolshie

Perks of the job:
I can watch football at work

Pitfalls of the job:
Listening to Shania Twain

Favourite place in West Yorkshire:
Emley Moor Tower when I was right at the very top!

PLUG OF THE WEEK:

Leeds Midnight walk

The Midnight Walk is a women-only event that brings together women from all over Leeds and the local area, to step out by the moonlight and walk to raise money for Wheatfields and St Gemma’s Hospices.
 
The walk sets off at Midnight from Leeds Rugby Academy off Kirkstall Road on Saturday 16th May 2009. You can choose between a six mile and a 12 mile route around North Leeds.
 
To join the Midnight Walk, or for any more information, please contact Beth Rigg
on 0113 278 7249

or beth.rigg@suerydercare.org,

or visit www.leedsmidnightwalk.co.uk where you can register online. (The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites)

Let West Yorkshire know about your charity event. Email westyorkshirewire@bbc.co.uk

AND FINALLY…

Don’t forget to email me with your stories, events and comments at westyorkshirewire@bbc.co.uk.

Until next time...
Sally