The Weekly Consumer Report Podcast
Welcome to Parfitt Cresswell’s Weekly Consumer Report brought to you by broadcast journalist Glen Thompsett and award-winning journalist, author, podcaster, and broadcaster, Lindsay Cook.
Each week, we break down the stories that matter most to your money, your rights, and your everyday life - helping you make smarter decisions in a fast-changing world. Every episode is packed with clear explanations, actionable tips, and the latest news - so you can feel confident and in control.
Tune in to our latest episode and join the conversation!
Episode 27: 19th May - in this episode:
Economic stability wobbled as the future of the prime minister was called into question by resignations and lots of Labour MPs called for his resignation.
The cost of government borrowing increased to levels last seen in the previous century. But global yields also fell as the Iran war continued with no end in sight and markets worried about increasing inflation.
Brent crude increased to $110 a barrel and share markets fell.
But then the panic eased a little at the start of this week. But they are still nervous.
Inflation in April is likely to be a little lower than March when announced later this week because the energy price cap fell by 6% at the beginning of April and air fares this year were lower in April by about 6% because Easter was earlier than in 2025.
Mortgage rates were reduced by several big lenders last week but the offers are likely to be short-lived so anyone wanting to move house is advised to get their loan agreed as soon as possible. They then have six months or more to get the property purchase done and they can still get the low mortgage rate.
UK growth The Office for National Statistics announced that the UK economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of the year with growth in March being 0.3% when a contraction was expected. But the affects of the Israel/US/Iran war are likely to have a depressing effect from April as political uncertainty in the UK also causes concern.
Landlords have until the end of May to provide an official information sheet explaining how the new tenancy rules under the Renters Rights Act will affect their tenants. They may be fined up to £7,000 for each rental property they own if they do not provide the information.
House sales are difficult in the UK with nearly half of all homes listed for sale failed to find a buyer in the past three years. Often sellers put too high a price on their property with sellers having to accept a cut of 3.5% on average. People who bought close to the top of the market want to get at least what they paid for their home.
Episode 26: 12th May - in this episode:
Volatile markets: Stock markets, oil prices, government borrowing costs have all been extremely volatile as a result of the Iran war and the UK election results.
The moves are not all in the same direction with oil prices much lower than at the beginning of the Gulf war but $30 higher than in February.
Food prices: Global food prices have risen for the third month running.
Vegetable oil prices have increased most with cereals and meat close behind. Customers are buying less and research showed 80% are worried about the rising price of groceries.
Tax bills: Income tax bills are set to almost double in the 10 years to 2031.
We need to check we are not paying too much. There are lots of mistakes with tax codes.
House prices: House prices increased by 3% in the year to April according to the Nationwide Building Society.
The Bank of England has warned that interest rates could increase six times in the next year.
Pension tax: Pension pots will be subject to inheritance tax from April next year.
People who have a substantial amount of money in a defined contribution pension need to find out how it will affect them.
The amount of inheritance tax could increase by hundreds of thousands of pounds for many.
High Street crisis: Shopper numbers were 10.7% lower in April than a year earlier.
This was the worst decline since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
Claire’s Accessories has shut 154 stores and TG Jones, which bought the WH Smith high street stores is closing more than 100 of the stores.
Flight cancellations: Two million airline seats have been cancelled in Europe in May. This is in response to higher fuel prices and jet fuel shortages. Most often replacement flights will be provided. Customers need to monitor their bookings.
Meet Your Hosts
The show is hosted by Glen Thompsett, an experienced broadcast journalist, and an award-winning journalist, author, podcaster, and broadcaster Lindsay Cook, whose expertise is widely recognised; she’s a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4 and other outlets and has written extensively for the Financial Times. Together, Glen and Lindsay bring decades of expertise, a passion for consumer advocacy, and a knack for making complex topics easy to understand.
Legal Chat with Parfitt Cresswell
Hear from our legal experts as they discuss various legal topics in Legal Chat with Parfitt Cresswell. Answering the commonly asked questions we receive on a regular basis, Legal Chat removes all of the legal jargon and makes the complex world of law that little bit easier to understand.
