Homeowners trapped by soaring £700 monthly service charge
A Surrey couple are trapped in their 'unsellable' new-build flat as service charges rocket to £700 a month. MPs call it a national leaseholder nightmare. Read their story.
Category : Housing Issues
300-home plan for Knowle green belt unveiled
Richborough proposes 300 homes, a community park, and a sports pitch on green belt land in Knowle, Solihull. A public consultation is now open for feedback.
New DWP Cost of Living Payments Announced for UK Households
A new £1bn Crisis and Resilience Fund will provide emergency payments to low-income households on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit from April 2026. Learn about the new support.
Historic Golf Club Could Be 'Finished' by Housing Plan
Houldsworth Golf Club in Reddish, formed in 1910, fears being destroyed if Stockport Council's draft local plan to build 122 homes on its land proceeds. Members warn of a 'slow death' for the community hub.
Former Failsworth Bank to be Converted into Flats
The building that housed Failsworth's final bank is set for transformation into seven one-bed apartments. Planning approval granted for the change of use, addressing local housing needs. Read more.
Walsall brownfield sites can hold 5,000 homes
Walsall Council reveals only 5,000 homes can be built on brownfield land, meeting just four years of housing targets. Green belt development is now deemed essential.
£200 Cost of Living Payments for Portsmouth Claimants
Portsmouth households on Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance can apply for a £200 payment from the DWP Household Support Fund. Check eligibility and apply before 29 January 2026.
£110m Deal for 600+ Affordable Oldham Homes
First Choice Homes Oldham secures a £110 million finance deal with Santander UK to build over 600 affordable homes and upgrade thousands more for energy efficiency. Discover the plans.
New DWP Crisis & Housing Benefits Start April 1
Two new DWP benefits, the Crisis Payment and Housing Payment, launch on April 1, 2026. Thousands of low-income households across England could be eligible for support from the £1bn Crisis and Resilience Fund. Learn more about the eligibility criteria and
DWP: No Targets for Universal Credit Rent Arrears
The DWP has confirmed it has no targets for resolving housing arrears for Universal Credit claimants, warning it is not party to rental contracts. Learn what support is available.
£200 Energy Bill Help for Households with Low Debt
Struggling UK households can claim up to £200 for energy and water bills via a council scheme. Applications close 31 March 2026. Check eligibility now.
Druids Heath regeneration scheme faces legal challenge
A major Birmingham regeneration project for 3,500 homes could be delayed by a legal challenge from residents fearing community destruction. Read the latest.
Councillor's home is controversial exempt accommodation HMO
An investigation reveals a Labour councillor's property is a supported exempt HMO, the very type he claims to be cracking down on. Read the full story and the latest Birmingham news.
Birmingham Council plans 4.8% social rent increase
Birmingham City Council plans a 4.8% rent rise for social housing to fund repairs and meet government standards. The increase, set for discussion on January 20, aims to tackle a backlog of maintenance issues.
80 Affordable Homes Open in Trafford
Southway Housing Trust's largest ever affordable rent and shared ownership scheme in Trafford is now open, helping families move out of temporary accommodation.
Tipton Council Housing Plan Goes £1m Over Budget
A Sandwell Council project to build 18 flats and bungalows in Tipton has exceeded its budget by £929,449 due to unforeseen regulatory and site challenges. Read the full breakdown.
New DWP Cost of Living Payments Announced for 2026
The DWP announces a new £1bn Crisis and Resilience Fund with two key payments for 2026, not limited to benefit claimants. Learn how local councils will distribute support.
Dudley Council spent £3.25m to lift housing notice
Dudley Council has asked the Regulator of Social Housing to lift a formal notice after spending over £3m on a full stock condition survey. The authority says it is now substantially compliant.
Birmingham's supported housing crisis sparks 6,000 complaints
A new report reveals over 6,000 complaints about crime and poor conditions in Birmingham's 'exempt' supported housing. The council has reclaimed £8.7m in benefits, but campaigners warn the crisis is deepening.
New 100% 'Rent to Own' mortgage helps renters buy without deposit
Hanley Economic Building Society launches a 100% mortgage for renters. Applicants need a £25k minimum income and a clean rental history. Experts warn of risks but hail a new route onto the property ladder.
Portsmouth £200 Cost of Living Payment Deadline Jan 29
Portsmouth households must apply for £200 cost of living support by 29 January 2026. Check eligibility for DWP's Household Support Fund via the local council.
Buy-to-Let Landlords Face £2,500 Extra Tax
UK landlords warn of rent rises as Chancellor Rachel Reeves' two-point tax hike on property income, set for April 2027, adds an average £2,500 to annual bills. Industry voices react.
Top 8 Places to Live in Worcestershire for 2024
Discover the eight best towns and villages to live in Worcestershire, from historic Malvern to vibrant Worcester. Find your perfect home in the heart of England.
Five Flats Planned for Brownhills Chapel Garden
A planning application for five new flats in the garden of a locally listed Brownhills chapel has been submitted to Walsall Council. Read the full details on the proposed development.
54 UK homes to get zero energy bills for 10 years
Octopus Energy and Barratt Redrow are eliminating energy costs for 54 households in Wixams and Tewkesbury. Discover how this partnership is making bills-free living a reality.
500 New Homes Approved for Midlands Green Belt
Plans for nearly 500 new homes on green belt land in the Midlands have been approved, sparking debate over housing needs and environmental protection. Read the full details.
Water firm objects to 1,650 new homes in Leominster
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water formally objects to a major expansion of Leominster, citing insufficient sewage and water capacity. Read the full details and implications for the Midlands town.
Edgbaston's £1.5m Homes Blighted by Derelict Tower
Residents on a posh Birmingham street demand action over a 23-storey 'sick building' that mars their skyline. Discover the clash between luxury and decay in Edgbaston.
Midlands Cold Weather Payments Triggered in Freeze
Temperatures set to plunge below zero across the Midlands, triggering £25 DWP Cold Weather Payments for eligible households. See the full list of affected postcodes.
£6m funding backs next phase of St Clears housing
The second phase of the Priory Field development in St Clears, Carmarthenshire, is nearing completion after a £6m loan from the Development Bank of Wales. The project delivers 29 new homes and supports 40 local jobs.
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