Episode Title: Simplifying Housing Issues with Jennifer Harris from Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Release Date: 9 Dec 24

Host(s):

• Adam Carter
• Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guest(s):

• Jennifer Harris – Head of Policy Research and Strategy at the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise sit down with Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy Research and Strategy at the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), to discuss their innovative new tool: the My Housing Issue Gateway.

Navigating tenancy disputes and housing rights can be overwhelming for renters and landlords alike. The Housing Gateway is here to change that. Jennifer explains how this free, user-friendly tool provides tailored action plans, letter templates, and phone scripts to empower tenants and landlords to resolve issues effectively.

From damp complaints to deposit disputes, this episode covers how the Gateway is transforming the rental landscape by making housing rights accessible to everyone. Whether you're a tenant facing a difficult landlord or a landlord looking to meet your responsibilities, this episode offers practical advice and insights you can use.

Key Takeaways:

• The Housing Gateway: A free tool to help renters and landlords navigate tenancy issues with personalised action plans.
• Raising Awareness: Over 50% of tenants in England don’t know where to turn for help with housing problems. The Gateway aims to change that.
• Tailored Solutions: Users get customised advice, ready-to-use templates, and scripts to make resolving disputes less stressful.
• Empowering Tenants and Landlords: The Gateway helps bridge the communication gap, improving outcomes and raising standards across the rental market.

Resources & Links:

Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) Website – For information on deposit protection and housing resources.

TDS Charitable Foundation – Access the My Housing Issue Gateway here.

Consumer Friend Website – For additional tenancy advice and resources.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Introduction: Adam and Louise introduce the topic and guest, Jennifer Harris.
• [03:15] – Jennifer explains the inspiration behind the My Housing Issue Gateway.
• [08:30] – The problem: Why tenants and landlords often struggle with tenancy issues.
• [15:00] – How the Gateway works: Personalized action plans and templates.
• [23:00] – The importance of empowering tenants and raising standards in the rental market.
• [32:00] – Where to access the Gateway and how it’s being rolled out.
• [40:00] – Final thoughts and advice for tenants and landlords.

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Exploring the Language of Fraud

Episode Title: Decoding Criminal Tactics with Dr. Elisabeth Carter

Release Date: 25 Nov 2024

Host(s):

• Adam Carter
• Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guest(s):

• Dr. Elisabeth Carter – Associate Professor at Kingston University specializing in criminology and forensic linguistics.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Dr. Elisabeth Carter, a leading expert in forensic linguistics and criminology. Dr. Carter provides fascinating insights into how language is used by criminals to manipulate and coerce their victims, from postal fraud to romance scams and APP fraud (Authorised Push Payment fraud).

Elisabeth explains the psychological tactics used to groom victims into compliance, comparing these methods to coercive control in domestic abuse. Drawing from her research and collaboration with law enforcement, she discusses how tailored communication and reframing language—such as using "stolen" instead of "lost"—can empower victims and challenge the stigma of fraud.

Listeners will walk away with a greater understanding of the power of words in both committing fraud and supporting victims, as well as how to spot and resist these manipulative tactics.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fraud as Coercion: Fraud mirrors coercive control, focusing on manipulating victims through language and psychological grooming.
2. The Power of Words: Criminals use carefully chosen phrases to instill trust, urgency, or fear, grooming victims into harmful actions.
3. Victim Support: Using empathetic language—such as framing funds as "stolen"—can empower victims and reduce feelings of shame or blame.
4. Neurodiverse Vulnerabilities: Criminals exploit how neurodiverse individuals may interpret language literally, underscoring the need for protective measures.
5. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Elisabeth’s work helps police and other responders improve their communication with victims, ensuring more effective support.
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Resources & Links:

• Consumer Friend Website – For tips and resources on consumer protection.
• Thames Valley Police Romance Fraud Booklet – Co-authored by Dr. Elisabeth Carter.
• Action Fraud – UK’s national fraud reporting center.
• Victim Support UK – Support for victims of crime, including fraud.

Follow Us:

• Website: Consumer Friend
• Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK
• Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficialUK

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the psychological impact of fraud and the importance of language in supporting victims and combating criminal tactics.

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Protecting Consumers from Rogue Builders

Host(s):

• Adam Carter
• Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guests:

• Sara Griffiths – Consumer advocate and victim of rogue building practices
• Sam Davison – Police officer, advocate for change, and victim of rogue building practices

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Consumer Friend Podcast, Adam and Louise are joined by Sara Griffiths and Sam Davison, two advocates who share their personal experiences with rogue builders, highlighting the significant emotional and financial damage these criminals can cause. Sara and Sam discuss the importance of implementing stricter regulations and licensing in the building industry to prevent others from suffering similar ordeals. Together, they have launched a national campaign pushing for industry reform, emphasising the need for competency standards and accountability in domestic building.

Through heartfelt discussions, they reveal the personal toll of encountering unsafe construction, legal battles, and financial devastation, and how it has shaped their commitment to protecting others. The episode also covers practical advice for consumers on finding trustworthy builders and offers insights into the current campaign's journey through government processes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Significant Financial and Emotional Impact: Rogue builders cost UK homeowners around £1.5 billion each year, leaving projects incomplete or dangerously executed.
2. The Need for Industry Reform: Sara and Sam advocate for licensing builders, aiming to introduce accountability and competency standards similar to those in other professions.
3. Challenges in the Legal System: Victims often struggle to seek justice due to limited resources in trading standards and the high costs of legal action.
4. Support for Campaign for Licensing: Their campaign for stricter regulations has gained 10,999 signatures and is now attracting support from MPs and organizations like the Federation of Master Builders.
5. Advice for Consumers: Research extensively, meet with past clients, verify company history, and use reliable recommendation sources to avoid rogue traders.

Resources & Links:

• Consumer Friend Website – For more information on consumer rights and resources.
• Federation of Master Builders – Support and advocacy for reputable builders and safe practices.
• Citizens Advice – Support for those seeking help with rogue traders.

Follow Us:

• Website: Consumer Friend
• Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK
• Instagram: @ConsumerFriendUK

Send us a text

Please like, subscribe and rate to help increase the reach in the UK. You can also follow us on socials:

• Facebook
• Website: Consumer Friend
• Twitter: @ConsumerFriendUK
• Instagram: @ConsumerFriendOfficial
• TikTok