Shadow World

By: BBC Radio 4
  • Summary

  • Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK

    Something about this doesn't add up. In Hertfordshire towns, people who live alone are disappearing. Their neighbours are wondering why they've not seen them, or if they might have died. Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions - through Lasting Power of Attorney - is meant to come with a guarantee that they always act in your best interest. In this series, BBC investigative reporter Sue Mitchell explores a widespread business practice where some people are moved out of their homes and left with no idea what is happening to their money. It often involves people with little or no family to ask questions about where they are moved to, or to challenge the fees involved. It can be people who've accumulated wealth over a lifetime, whose assets are now helping to fund those who are taking decisions for them. The series looks at the loopholes that allow it to happen and the relationship between care homes, social workers and a business taking on a huge number of powers of attorney. It begins with the concerned friends and relatives who want to know what has happened to their neighbour or loved one; Where have they gone? And why has their home been emptied and sold? This is an original investigation, with recordings in real time, exploring how power of attorney orders can be used for better or worse.

    (C) BBC 2024
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Episodes
  • The Willpower Detectives - Ep 7. Rescue Me
    Dec 12 2024

    The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney – how one man controls the finances of scores of vulnerable people. Sue Mitchell holds those responsible to account and ends with the story of one woman, now on the brink of a new life. She is taking back control of her finances and is on the move.

    Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions – through Lasting Power of Attorney – is meant to come with a guarantee that they always act in your best interest. In this series, BBC investigative reporter Sue Mitchell explores a widespread business practice where some people are moved out of their homes and left with no idea what is happening to their money. It often involves people with little or no family to ask questions about where they are moved to, or to challenge the fees involved. It can be people who’ve accumulated wealth over a lifetime, whose assets are now helping to fund those who are taking decisions for them. The series looks at the loopholes that allow it to happen and the relationship between care homes, social workers and a business taking on a huge number of powers of attorney. It begins with the concerned friends and relatives who want to know what has happened to their neighbour or loved one; Where have they gone? And why has their home been emptied and sold? This is an original investigation, with recordings in real time, exploring how power of attorney orders can be used for better or worse.

    Shadow World: Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

    Presented by Sue Mitchell Produced by Sue Mitchell, Joel Moors and Winifred Robinson

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • The Willpower Detectives - Ep 6. Falling on Deaf Ears
    Dec 9 2024

    A man receives compensation after abuse in a Catholic boarding school and wants to know what has happened to some of his money. He asks Sue Mitchell to help him find out more.

    The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney - concerned neighbours ask Sue for help.

    Giving someone else control of your finances and decisions – through Lasting Power of Attorney – is meant to come with a guarantee that they always act in your best interest. In this series, BBC investigative reporter Sue Mitchell explores a widespread business practice where some people are moved out of their homes and left with no idea what is happening to their money.

    Shadow World: Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

    Presented by Sue Mitchell Produced by Sue Mitchell, Joel Moors and Winifred Robinson

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • The Willpower Detectives - Ep 5. Rich Pickings
    Dec 9 2024

    Who do people turn to if they fear that vulnerable neighbours need help, especially when relatives live far away? Sue Mitchell follows cases, hearing from some of those involved.

    The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney - concerned neighbours ask Sue for help.

    This is an original investigation, with recordings in real time, exploring how power of attorney orders can be used for better or worse.

    Shadow World: Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UK.

    Presented by Sue Mitchell Produced by Sue Mitchell, Joel Moors and Winifred Robinson

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins

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