Beyond Westminster

Beyond Westminster: Illegal Money Lending

What are some of the wider social consequences of the cost of living crisis that maybe aren't receiving as much attention as they should? One really important issue is illegal money lending. Charities have reported a worrying rise in people turning to lenders who act without license, and often pose as friends to exploit vulnerable and desperate people.
In this podcast we look at the scale of illegal money lending, the methods used by loan sharks to exploit their prey, and who is falling victim in today’s economic environment. We also hear directly from those working in some of our most disadvantaged communities to learn how people on low incomes are experiencing the cost of living crisis.
 
Guests
Helen Eden, Community Link
Joe Shalam, Policy Director at the CSJ
Matt Greenwood, Acting Head of Debt at the CSJ

Beyond Westminster: The Lost Children of Lockdown

Severe absence has spread through our school system like wildfire. CSJ research shows that nearly 800 schools have an entire class-worth of so called ‘ghost children’. These issues are complex; there is no simple explanation as to why children stop attending schools. This podcast will unpack some of the causes of severe school absence by speaking to a mother whose children stopped attending school and will show what is possible when an expert practitioner intervenes.
 
Guests
Gavin Rice, Director of Policy at CSJ
Amy, School-Home Support Practitioner
Brenda, Mother of children who were severely absent from school
Alice Wilcock, Head of Education Policy at CSJ