In Episode 66 of the Housing Sector Podcast, I’m joined once again by Suz Muna from SHAC to unpack some uncomfortable truths about service charges, housing benefit, and how housing associations respond when residents push back.

We begin with an update on communication plans — what they are supposed to be used for, how they can become restrictive tools, and why standing your ground calmly and factually matters. I share recent developments and reflect on what happens when pressure starts to shift.

We then turn to new SHAC research into First-tier Tribunal service charge decisions from last year. The findings are significant: in over 63% of concluded cases, judges identified some level of overcharging, resulting in reductions or removals of service charges.

But that figure only tells part of the story.

Many residents never make it to tribunal. Fear of legal costs, lack of representation, and intimidation tactics often deter people before a hearing ever takes place. We discuss cost threats, access to legal advice, and why the imbalance of resources matters.

We also explore:

Section 22 requests and incomplete invoice disclosure.
Admitted “errors” in service charge adjustments.
The role of housing benefit and the lack of scrutiny over service charge elements.
Freedom of Information responses from councils.
The scale of public money flowing directly to housing associations.
Whether current oversight mechanisms are truly protecting residents — or taxpayers.
Finally, we examine the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign and ask whether tackling language alone addresses the deeper economic drivers behind sector behaviour.

This is a grounded, data-led conversation about accountability, legal process, and the wider financial ecosystem shaping social housing.

If you are dealing with rising service charges, communication restrictions, or housing benefit questions, this episode is essential listening.

#HousingSector #BenJenkins #SuzMuna #SHAC #GreenSquareAccord #StopSocialHousingStigma #SSHS #NickBliss #RuthCooke #SophieAtkinson #SteveHayes #ServiceCharges #HousingBenefit #FirstTierTribunal #TenantRights #Leaseholders #SharedOwnership #HousingAccountability

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