Dispatches Season 29, Episode 18: How Councils Blow Your Millions

How to Blow Your Pension

Changes to the rules regarding private pension withdrawals mean some retirees are planning on raiding their pension pot to take luxury holidays or pay of debts. Michael Buerk asks if the state will be left to pick up the pieces.

45 min

Low Pay Britain

As parties launch their General Election campaigns focusing on Britain's economic recovery, Morland Sanders investigates the reality of the workforce today and shows how major companies are saving money on wages and taxes.

45 min

The Great Car Con

British motorists were told that diesel would be the cheap, environmentally friendly fuel of the future but growing concerns over harmful emissions and the reliability of emissions tests have led to calls for surcharges or bans on diesels.

45 min

Secrets Of The Parking Wardens

The number of parking tickets issues by private firms has rocketed since 2007, with more than 2.5 million issued annually. Reporter Antony Barnett goes undercover to investigate why complaints against them have also grown.

45 min

Politicians for Hire II

Dispatches goes undercover once again to expose the cash-for-access scandal of MP's accepting fees to provide access to government. This time two former Foreign Secretaries are the target of the sting operation.

45 min

Britain's Benefits Crackdown

The Government has vowed to clampdown on benefit claimants and has introduced a new system of sanctions against those it thinks are abusing the system. Liz MacKean meets those hit by the new penalties.

45 min

Benefits Britain: Universal Credit

The Government is introducing the new Universal Credit in the biggest welfare reform in a generation. It is claimed the new benefit is helping people back into work, Dispatches investigates claims the new system is a shambles.

45 min

Britain's Defence Squeeze

In the wake of significant cuts to the UK defence budget, Morland Sanders asks if the nation is still able to defend itself adequately in the face of a growing range of threats.

45 min

How to Buy a Meeting with a Minister

In the run-up to the General Election, Antony Barnett presents an undercover investigation into the way in which donors can pay to attend social functions with government ministers to discuss "issues".

45 min

How Safe Are Our Planes?

45 min

The Secrets of Sports Direct

How does Sports Direct sell it's trainers and clothing so cheaply? Harry Wallop examines the hidden costs behind the success of the high street store who have been accused of "reprehensible" business practices.

45 min

Trains: Are You Paying Too Much?

As rail passenger numbers hit an all-time high Morland Sanders goes undercover inside one of Britain's biggest rail operators to examine the key problems of ticket pricing, overcrowding and compensation claims.

45 min

Where to Save Your Money

Interest rates are at their lowest in 300 years, Channel 4 News Business Editor Siobhan Kennedy reports on the problems facing savers and examines some of the options available to them in a confusing market.

45 min

Exams: Cheating the System?

Seyi Rhodes examines how some schools and pupils are coping with the stresses and strains of the exam system by bending the rules. He speaks to 'whistleblowers' within the education sector who reveal some of the tactics used.

45 min

The Great British Property Divide

From million-pound flats to so-called "poor doors", Morland Sanders investigates how rising house prices can transform communities and the impact the right-to-buy law will have on the property divide.

45 min

Salt: Are You Eating Too Much?

Amidst calls to reduce the amount of salt consumed in our diets, reporter Tazeen Ahmad uncovers disturbing evidence that the labelling of salt content on our food is far from always accurate

45 min

Kids in Crisis

In this hour-long special report Dispatches meets with four families who all have children who suffer from mental illness. The lack of local residential care means these youngsters have to be separated from their loved ones to seek help.

45 min

Pensions and the Price of Growing Old

45 min

Escape from Isis

In this one-hour special report Dispatches reveals the brutal regime millions of women face when living under the control of the so-called Islamic State and meets a dedicated team of men risking their lives to free them.

45 min

Hunted: Gay and Afraid

Dispatches investigates the well-funded global network of groups that are supporting a new wave of anti-gay legislation around the world including America's "World Congress of Families".

45 min

Britain's Benefits Experiment

45 min

Aldi's Supermarket Secrets

Discount supermarket chain Aldi continues to go from strength to strength, recently overtaking Waitrose as Britain's sixth biggest supermarket. Morland Sanders goes undercover to see if quality and service are suffering.

45 min

How to Stop Your Nuisance Calls II

Millions of people are plagued by nuisance callers trying to sell them things that they don't want, Dispatches goes undercover to investigate the cold calling industry and meets the people fighting back.

Britain's Nightmare New Homes

With the Government pledging to build a million new homes across Britain by 2020, Seyi Rhodes investigates if the rush to build so many new houses is having an impact on the quality these homes.

Low Pay Britain II

The Government has promised to help create 3 million apprenticeships alongside a new national living wage. Dispatches investigates claims that some employers are wasting public money and abusing the trust placed in them.

How the Monarchy Can Make You Millions

Around 800 companies hold royal warrants and it is thought that they make an extra £4 billion a year because of it. With the stakes so high, Antony Barnett examines the system of granting royal approval.

The Children Who Beat Ebola

The remarkable story of five extraordinary children in Sierra Leone who fought off the deadly Ebola virus and overcame loss and social stigma to rebuild their lives.