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 23: 21st April - in this episode:
Informed investors
- Some traders have been betting millions of dollars just before the President makes major announcements. And they have made lots of money.
- It could be insider trading, whereby bets are made by people based on information that is not available to the general public.
- Trying to beat volatile markets is a mug’s game unless you have inside information and that is illegal.
UK growth
- UK economy had its biggest monthly rise in growth in two years in February
- The increase was before the Iran war that will reduce growth
- International Monetary Fund expects inflation to increase to 4%
Energy help
- 10,000 business will get help with their energy bills from April 2027
- UK businesses are currently paying 50% more for electricity than competitors in Europe.
- The scheme is designed to help high energy users
- The government is planning to change the way electricity prices are set by gas prices – reducing the cost of electricity.
Energy scam
- Pensioners have been warned by HMRC of winter fuel payment scams
- About two million pensioners have to pay back their payments
- But they should ignore any requests for payments as money will be paid through higher taxes.
Driving lesson refunds
- 80,000 learner drivers are to receive refunds
- This follows their being charged extra for their lessons
- Affected customers should receive the money automatically
Mortgage cuts
- Banks have started cutting mortgage rates
- Average two year mortgages had risen to 5.89%
- Homebuyers need to check the best rates
Record incomes
- American banks received £100 billion in revenues last year
- Revenues increased by up to 42%.
- The banks benefited from erratic announcements from President Trump that spooked investors.
Episode 22: 14th April - in this episode:
1. War and fuel
• Wholesale oil prices down below $100 a barrel
• But prices still increasing at petrol stations
• Jet fuel has doubled in price
• Airlines have increased fares and cut flights
2. Student loans
• Government has cut the interest on some student loans from September.
• Plan 2 loans will have a maximum interest rate of 6%.
• More than 20,000 students are being required to pay back thousands of pounds because they were paid too much.
3. House prices
• Average house prices fell 0.5% in March
• They are expected to fall by as much as 5% in 2026
• But there has been an increase in borrowers taking out 100% mortgages.
4. Second hand boom
• The sale of second hand clothes, homeware and electronics is booming
• Vinted, the online website had revenues over £1 billion last year
• The war in Iran is encouraging more to use second hand retailers as they worry about food and energy prices.
5. Surge prices
• Surge pricing is going to be used by supermarkets the Bank of England has warned.
• It will enable prices, such as ice creams to be increased during hot weather
• But the Bank of England does not believe it will be inflationary
6. Passports
• The price of renewal is now more than £100
• Travel must take place withing 10 years of the passport being issued
• Lots of travellers think the date on the passport is the last date they can travel
7. Solar records
• New solar records occurred at the beginning of April 12, 2026
• Solar farm in Lincolnshire will produce electricity for 180,000 homes.
• British gas has recorded 250% increase in solar panel installation.
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.
