Over-55s turn to £144k park homes as prices soar
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.
Category : Search result: housing reform
Judges Widening PIP Eligibility, Report Warns
A new report reveals judges are widening PIP eligibility, costing billions. The DWP faces calls for reform as claims surge. Read the latest on the welfare system overhaul.
Reform UK Pledges to Prosecute Civil Servants
Reform UK announces plans to create a new criminal offence for civil servants who 'dishonestly' grant asylum to sex offenders, with potential jail time. Read the full story.
New flats planned for Tipton amid 'critical' housing shortage
Sandwell Council reveals plans for 12 affordable flats opposite the new Horseley Road metro stop, aiming to ease a severe shortage of family homes where waits can stretch to nine years.
Army veteran turns life around with Solihull HMO support
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
Staffordshire Council to save £2.67m in efficiency review
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
Means-Tested State Pension Call for UK from Australian
An Australian with a means-tested pension urges the DWP to adopt the model. Times specialist says the unpopular idea persists because it addresses fiscal pressures.
New Council Tax surcharge rules for £2m+ homes explained
The Valuation Office clarifies how the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge will work for properties over £2 million from 2028. Learn about the targeted valuations and how it aims to create a fairer system.
Labour's Mansion Tax Spares £2m+ Social Housing
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.
NatWest doubles social rent loan fund to £1bn
NatWest expands its ringfenced social rent loan fund to £1bn, aiming to accelerate the building of affordable homes and save housing associations up to £50m. Read the full announcement.
Warwickshire Council Leader Defies Vote on School Transport
Warwickshire's Reform UK leader vows to ignore council vote demanding he withdraw a letter to government seeking powers to cut school transport costs. Opposition unites against the move.
Right to Buy costs taxpayers £900m in council repurchases
UK taxpayers have paid over £900 million to councils repurchasing former social housing under Right to Buy. Sheffield and Edinburgh lead the list. Read the full analysis.
First North East Elevate Fund Deal Backs Newcastle Wellness Studio
Reform Studio on Newcastle's Quayside is the first business backed by the new £35m North East Elevate Fund. The wellness centre will offer reformer pilates, yoga, and sound healing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Birmingham's Longest Council Home Wait Times Revealed
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.
Birmingham housing wait hits 250 weeks in Quinton
New data reveals 16 Birmingham areas are 'red zones' for council housing waits, with Quinton's 250-week lead. Discover the full list and official advice for applicants.
Leasehold reform delay hits 5.2 million UK households
Vital leasehold reforms, including a rent cap, are delayed until 2026, leaving millions in limbo. Discover what this means for homeowners and the political fallout.
16,000 new ADHD PIP claims spark DWP reform calls
The DWP faces pressure to reform the welfare system after a sharp rise in ADHD-related PIP claims. Experts warn of unsustainable spending impacting other public services.
New 14-home plan for Malvern farmland submitted
A developer has submitted fresh plans for 14 homes on Malvern farmland, months after a scheme for nine properties was rejected by the council and dismissed on appeal. Read the latest details.
DWP ramps up face-to-face PIP and Universal Credit assessments
The DWP will increase in-person assessments for PIP and Work Capability claims, aiming to reform welfare, clear backlogs, and save £1.9bn. Find out what this means for claimants.
Mum who claimed £60k benefits slams Labour policy change
Cheryl Drew, once claiming £60k a year in benefits, criticises Labour's decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap, saying it removes motivation for parents.
Council adds security after protest over racist posts
Staffordshire County Council deployed extra guards after a Reform UK-led meeting was disrupted by protesters demanding resignations over alleged racist social media posts. Read the latest.
Santander's £310m Deal for Peabody Housing Association
Santander has agreed a major £310 million refinancing package with housing association Peabody, supporting its plans for regeneration and new affordable homes across London and the Home Counties. Read the full details.
16,000 ADHD PIP Claim Rise Sparks DWP Reform Calls
DWP data reveals a 16,000 surge in ADHD PIP claims. Experts urge benefit system reform to control spiralling welfare costs. Read the full analysis.
Benefits mum who got £60k a year slams Labour rule change
Cheryl Drew, once labelled the 'benefits queen' for claiming £60k a year for 15 kids, now criticises Labour's plan to scrap the two-child benefit cap. She says handouts don't always help. Read her story.
Chorley housing estate extension decision deferred
Councillors postpone a decision on 57 new social homes in Charnock Richard, opting for a site visit after residents warn of overdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure.
Rapid rise of renters in their 60s in the UK
The UK faces a rapid increase in older private renters, with numbers set to treble by 2040, raising serious concerns over retirement finances and housing suitability. Discover the full story.
DWP may be forced to raise state pension age to 80
The state pension age could be hiked to 80 by the 2070s to keep the system sustainable, new analysis reveals. Discover the pressures and potential reforms facing UK pensions.
4 Million on Benefits Without Work Search Requirement
Official data shows four million people receive jobless benefits without needing to look for work, a rise of one million in a year. Political reaction and DWP response inside.
650 Homes and Country Park Plan for Newcastle-under-Lyme
Developer Richborough unveils plans for 650 dwellings and a new country park on land off Whitmore Road. Public consultation open until December 7.
15% Drop in Staffordshire Pothole Repairs Under Reform
Staffordshire County Council filled 15.1% fewer potholes this year. Opposition blames Reform UK's roadworks ban, while the council promises long-term improvements.
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