38 councils to double council tax on second homes
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Birmingham City Council is pushing ahead with parking charges at Sutton Park and Lickey Hills. Critics call it a 'tax on health' amid fears over access and congestion. Read the full story.
Soaring bungalow prices are driving over-55s towards park homes, a £144,748 housing alternative offering single-storey living and community. Discover the growing trend.
Birmingham City Council confirms new parking fees for three major parks from 2026, sparking political backlash. Find out the costs and the opposition's pledge.
Birmingham City Council plans new parking fees at three major parks in 2026 to raise funds, sparking fierce opposition from residents and political parties. Find out the details and what it means for visitors.
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Staffordshire households earning under £36,000 could qualify for free heating upgrades worth up to £30,000 this winter under the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme. Apply now to improve your home's energy efficiency.
Households with damp and mould are urged to watch for a critical Ofgem letter. Tenants must notify landlords immediately as 98% of ECO4 insulated homes need repairs costing up to £18,000.
Labour's new property surcharge will hit owners of high-value homes from 2028, but exempts over 110 social housing properties worth over £2 million. Get the full details.
Six of Wolverhampton's finest parks and green spaces have retained their prestigious Green Flag status. Discover the award-winning beauty spots offering free play, walks, and cafes.
Discover nine stunning locations across Birmingham and the West Midlands, perfect for a revitalising New Year's run. Explore parks, hills, and country parks to kickstart your 2026 fitness goals.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West has donated food, clothes, and toys to four local charities, supporting families in need this Christmas. Discover how the community is coming together.
The Great Notts Christmas Toy Appeal, supported by Barratt and David Wilson Homes, will deliver gifts to over 2,000 disadvantaged children this Christmas. Discover how the community came together.
British Land applies to boost maximum store size at Telford Forge Retail Park to attract larger retailers, aiming to secure long-term tenancies and support the local economy. Read the full details.
Octopus Energy partners with Barratt Redrow to build 54 homes where residents pay no energy bills for a decade. The scheme uses solar panels and heat pumps.
Dogs Trust Kenilworth has over 50 dogs needing adoption in Birmingham and beyond. Meet 15 charming residents, including one waiting 1000 days, hoping for a fresh start in the new year.
Octopus Energy and Barratt Redrow are building 54 'Zero Bills' homes in Bedfordshire and Gloucestershire. Residents will pay nothing for energy for a decade. Read how this sustainable initiative works.
Shoppers at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons risk fines for misusing parent and child parking bays. A study reveals 25% misuse, with one mother fined £260. Know the rules to avoid penalties.
Local councillors demand a developer withdraws a stalled plan for 450 homes in Dickens Heath, fearing it threatens the future of historic football and rugby clubs. Read the latest.
Discover how dedicated staff from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are working over Christmas to bring joy and support to patients in wards and care homes across Essex.
New data shows Birmingham residents face waits up to 250 weeks for social housing. Discover the worst-hit areas and how the council's system works.
A shocking 28% of UK residents live with damp, mould, or cold. Health experts reveal these conditions worsen asthma, heart issues, and mental health. Learn the risks and what action to take.
Planning permission granted for 185 apartments in Salford's Adelphi Village, part of the £2.5bn Crescent masterplan. Discover the future-proofed, sustainable community taking shape.
Persimmon Homes Midlands staff raised £55,314 for Coppafeel! in 2025, inspired by a colleague's breast cancer diagnosis. Funds will boost vital awareness for young people.
Persimmon Homes West Midlands has donated £3,000 to Wem and District Rotary Club via its Community Champions scheme. The funds will support local people through events, youth activities, and tackling isolation.
Chippenham RFC's Under-11s receive a £1,000 grant from Persimmon Homes Wessex for new match-day kits. Discover how this local developer supports community youth sports.
David Wilson Homes South Midlands sponsored a charity golf day at Ely City Golf Club, raising £12,000 for the Stroke Association. The event honoured an organiser's late father and boosted vital awareness.
Local Conservatives promise to scrap parking charges and establish a trust to restore Birmingham's Sutton Park ahead of the 2026 elections. Read their full plan.
Barratt Homes Northampton has donated £1,500 to the Baby Basics charity, providing Moses basket starter packs for vulnerable families. Discover how this gift ensures safe sleep for newborns.
Plans for the UK's first Universal Studios theme park near Cambridgeshire have been approved, promising 8,000 permanent jobs and a £50bn economic boost. Discover the details.