Housing Sector Podcast #68 sees Ben Jenkins joined by Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) representative Suz Muna to expose serious concerns around service charges, transparency, and accountability in UK social housing. The episode examines a case involving Peabody, where around £500,000 in service charge costs were found without supporting invoices, raising questions about oversight and accuracy in reporting to both an MP and the Housing Ombudsman Service.

The discussion expands into the wider impact of service charge overcharging, including the role of housing benefit and the financial burden on taxpayers. It also explores how residents who challenge these issues are increasingly labelled “vexatious,” subjected to communication restrictions, and in some cases face legal pressure such as SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).

This episode provides a clear look at the systemic issues affecting tenants and leaseholders, while questioning whether sector bodies like the Chartered Institute of Housing are driving real change or reinforcing existing problems. A must-listen for anyone concerned about tenant rights, accountability, and the future of the housing sector.