When The Willpower Detectives aired on BBC Radio 4, just before Christmas 2024, hundreds of listeners contacted the BBC with their own stories about power of attorney and the way it can be abused. The series revealed how a partner at an Essex based law firm – Ron Hiller – was taking over the finances of vulnerable clients, clearing and selling their homes and leaving them without access to information about where their money had gone.In many of the stories from listeners, it was family members - siblings, partners, and grandchildren - who were taking control of assets and in some instances, overseeing the drafting of new wills. This additional episode relates one extraordinary story among those hundreds. A wealthy businessman gifted each of his grandchildren a property. Sue Mitchell discovers what happened when one grandchild used power of attorney to take more.The programme exposes the difficulties involved when assessing mental capacity, especially when it comes to deciding who has financial control.Presented by Sue Mitchell
Produced by Sue Mitchell, Joel Moors and Winifred Robinson.
Sound design by Tom Bignell
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37:37
The Willpower Detectives: 7. Rescue Me
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
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32:55
The Willpower Detectives: 6. Falling on Deaf Ears
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
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27:38
The Willpower Detectives: 5. Rich Pickings
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
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30:46
The Willpower Detectives: 4. Undue Influence
Pam and Sylvie ask for help finding their friend and warn of the pressure felt to sign Power of Attorney orders. Sue Mitchell helps them search and investigates what has happened.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.
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
Gripping stories from the shadows - BBC investigations from across the UKSomething 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.
Netherlands