GreenSquareAccord

House of Commons Debate ‘SLAPPs’

What are SLAPPs?

A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is a legal tactic used by individuals or organisations to intimidate, silence, or punish critics by filing meritless lawsuits. These lawsuits are often aimed at people who speak out on issues of public concern, such as housing, environmental, or social justice issues. The goal of a SLAPP is not necessarily to win the case, but to burden the defendant with legal costs, time, and stress, discouraging them from further public participation or criticism.

Over the past several years, I’ve found myself caught in an ongoing battle with GreenSquareAccord, a housing provider with which I co-own my home as a shared owner. What began as a simple attempt to hold them accountable for poor living conditions and unaddressed safety concerns has spiralled into a deeply unsettling experience marked by harassment, legal threats, and even a wrongful arrest.

These ongoing issues were recently debated in the House of Commons and described as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), placing GreenSquareAccord alongside other organizations that use excessive legal force to silence criticism and stifle dissent.

Harassment and False Accusations

One of the most troubling aspects of my experience with GreenSquareAccord has been the false accusations of harassment directed at me. I was repeatedly told that I was harassing junior female staff members within the company, despite there being no evidence to support these claims. When I requested evidence, GreenSquareAccord was unable to provide any and eventually stopped making these accusations. The harassment claims were part of a broader contact management plan designed to limit my ability to email staff about personal issues within the business. Not only was this a blatant attempt to silence my concerns, but it was also a misuse of resources and an abuse of power.

In addition to these false claims, I was subjected to numerous legal threats and two court cases, accompanied by the threat of potential legal action and exorbitant costs. I even signed undertakings in an attempt to appease GreenSquareAccord and stop the ongoing legal battle—something they later exploited by claiming I had breached these undertakings. This resulted in yet another court case they lost. GreenSquareAccord’s legal team demanded that I refrain from any conduct that might cause “nuisance or annoyance” to employees, which, in its vague and sweeping language, could have meant virtually any action I took to raise awareness of ongoing issues.

A 1:20 AM Arrest – A Clear Waste of Police Resources

In what can only be described as an overreach, I was arrested at my home at 1:20 AM on a Monday morning. I was taken to the police station and placed on bail for a month. This arrest, which came with no clear justification or evidence, was a complete waste of police resources. It served as yet another example of how GreenSquareAccord has used its influence to target me—someone simply seeking to highlight serious issues with the housing provider.

Errors in Service Charges and Lack of Support from My Local MP

Amidst these legal threats and the personal toll it has taken, I’ve also had to contend with errors in the service charges GreenSquareAccord has billed me. There have been numerous discrepancies, miscalculations, and overcharges, and despite my repeated requests for clarification, the company continues to send vague responses without providing the necessary documentation. The situation is further compounded by the lack of support from my local MP, who has failed to address my concerns or provide any meaningful assistance.

SLAPPs: A Growing Threat to Grassroots Campaigners

In a recent House of Commons debate, Siân Berry, the MP for Brighton Pavilion, raised the issue of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and the growing use of legal threats to silence campaigners. She highlighted my case as an example of how powerful entities, like GreenSquareAccord, use the legal system to intimidate and suppress those who speak out against them.

As Berry stated, “It is very much in the public interest for Ben to speak out freely on such issues, because safety in housing completely depends upon maintaining good standards and public accountability.” The evidence I have gathered—including images, videos, and testimonies from residents—shows that GreenSquareAccord has failed to respond to serious safety concerns in our building, from broken boilers to rat infestations. By speaking out, I’ve only sought to hold them accountable, but instead, I’ve faced legal threats and personal attacks.

A Personal Toll

The emotional and mental toll this ongoing battle has taken on me cannot be overstated. Being targeted by legal threats, having my character maligned, and facing the constant pressure of not knowing whether I’ll be dragged back into legal battles has worn me down. However, I remain determined. I believe that by shining a light on these abuses, I can help protect the wellbeing of residents, ensure that housing providers are held to account, and raise awareness about the challenges we face.

As I continue to fight for my rights and the rights of fellow residents, I hope that more people will come forward and speak out. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment for simply standing up for what’s right.

I encourage others in similar situations to take heart and know that they are not alone. We have a right to demand transparency, fairness, and respect from those who control our living conditions.

We must not allow housing providers to continue using the legal system to stifle free speech and undermine public accountability.

Remember - you are not alone. Stay strong, stay true, we are in this together.