West Midlands' Happiest Places for 2026 Named
Rightmove's 2026 happiness survey highlights Leamington Spa as the top spot in the West Midlands, with other towns like Lichfield and Stratford also ranking high based on resident feedback.
Category : Housing Issues
Abandoned Petrol Station Frozen in Time Faces Demolition
A derelict petrol station in Willenhall, West Midlands, remains frozen in time with everyday items still inside after nearly a decade of abandonment, now set for demolition to make way for housing development.
Gervais Supports Street Paws' 'No One Left Outside' Campaign
Comedian Ricky Gervais endorses Street Paws' campaign to end housing policies forcing homeless people to choose between accommodation and their pets, highlighting the crisis in Yorkshire towns.
Shard End Terrace with Garden Office for £280k
A three-bedroom mid-terrace home on Hurst Lane in Birmingham's Shard End area offers three floors, two bathrooms, and a garden summer house ideal as a home office. Priced at £280,000.
Bellway Urges First-Time Buyer Help Amid Housing Demand
Housebuilder Bellway reports a resilient first-half performance but warns that government intervention is crucial to support first-time buyers and meet housing targets amid economic uncertainty.
Children's Homes Plan for West Bromwich Green Space Sparks Debate
Controversial proposals to build four residential homes for vulnerable children on a cherished green space in West Bromwich have been submitted, reigniting local concerns over loss of community land and road safety issues.
Birmingham's £300m Exempt Housing Crisis Exposed
Exclusive investigation reveals how Birmingham's supported exempt accommodation sector commands up to £400 weekly per claimant, driving a £300 million industry that's transforming neighbourhoods.
Birmingham's Supported Housing Crisis: Public Funds Fuel Failures
An investigation reveals how millions in housing benefits fund substandard exempt accommodation in Birmingham, with private firms profiting while vulnerable tenants suffer in neglected properties.
£300 Cost of Living Support for Non-Benefit Households
Blackpool Council offers £200-£300 payments from the DWP Household Support Fund to residents not on benefits, helping with energy and water costs amid rising living expenses.
London Residents Hit with £200k Energy Bill After Mistake
Residents at River Gardens in Greenwich, London, have been charged a staggering £198,986 for heating and hot water after a managing agent's error led to a tariff delay.
Council Tax Loophole Used by Second-Home Owners
Over 200 English councils now impose 100% council tax premiums on second homes, but owners are switching to holiday lets to avoid charges, with holiday let registrations rising by 1.2%.
Wolverhampton Council Rejects 'Cramped' HMO Plan
City of Wolverhampton Council has refused plans for a six-bed HMO in Heath Town, citing fears of increased crime and inadequate room sizes.
New Support Hub Opens for Middlesbrough's Vulnerable Youth
A former town house in Middlesbrough has been transformed into a 12-flat supported living facility for 16-18 year olds facing homelessness and serious challenges, following a year-long refurbishment.
Birmingham Restaurant Owner Considers Relocation After Attack
A restaurant owner in Birmingham's Shirley area says he may relocate after a machete attack outside his business left two teenagers injured and blood on the pavement.
£4,000 Roof Repair Warning for UK Households
Homeowners across the UK are being warned to check roof tiles after Storm Goretti and Storm Chandra, with potential repair costs reaching £4,000 if damage is left untreated.
Widower's Three-Month Wait for Council House Upgrade
John Marshall remains sleeping on a neighbour's fold-up bed as Birmingham City Council delays promised renovations to his mould-ridden bungalow.
Dudley Council powerless in £6k wall dispute
Residents in Upper Gornal face £6,000 each to repair a failing retaining wall, as Dudley Council says legal time limits prevent enforcement action.
HMO Boom Shatters Birmingham's Winson Green Community
A BirminghamLive investigation reveals how Winson Green faces profound community breakdown due to an explosion of HMOs and exempt properties, with residents reporting rising crime, violence and fear.
Labour MP Drives Housing Reforms in Heywood and Middleton
Local MP details Labour Government's housing initiatives, including Awaab's Law, Renters' Rights Act, and efforts to combat furniture poverty in Rochdale borough.
Eyesore Black Country Hall to Become Supported Living Flats
Edgeview Homes proposes converting neglected John Owen House in Old Hill into six supported living units for adults with complex needs, following recent redevelopment approvals nearby.
Willenhall Residents' 'Hell' as Regeneration Starts
Residents in Willenhall's Moat Street area describe living among derelict factories as 'hell' due to fires and antisocial behaviour, as demolition begins for 109-home regeneration project.
Sutton Coldfield's Identity Crisis and Future
Sutton Coldfield faces a profound identity crisis as it loses retail, nightlife, and green spaces while becoming more exclusive. This in-depth exploration examines the town's past, present challenges, and uncertain future.
Midlands Towns Named Among England's Best Places to Live
Several affluent and picturesque towns across the Midlands have been recognised in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos list of England's best places to live, highlighting top spots for families.
Check If You Qualify for Household Support Fund
Local councils across England are encouraging residents to apply for the Household Support Fund, which provides financial assistance for energy bills, food, and essential items for vulnerable households.
Birmingham Area in UK's Top 10 for Young People
A Birmingham neighbourhood has been named among the UK's top 10 best places to live for under-35s in The Times 2026 guide, ranking highly for affordability and lifestyle.
West Bromwich Landmark Could Become 101 Flats
Developer Brickstone submits plans to convert the long-vacant former West Bromwich Building Society HQ into 101 one and two-bedroom apartments, reviving the 1960s art deco building.
Worcestershire Cost of Living Payments Increased to £500
Worcestershire County Council announces enhanced Household Support Fund payments of up to £500 for families with children, administered by Act on Energy through DWP funding.
Handsworth HMO plan rejected after community campaign
Plans to convert a family home into a six-bed HMO in Handsworth have been rejected following nearly 80 objections from residents and neighbourhood groups.
Landlords Forced to Install Green Tech Under New Rules
New regulations could require landlords to install heat pumps or solar panels to meet EPC standards, with fines up to £30,000 for non-compliance by 2030.
Bury's 6,000-Home Neighbourhood Plans Revealed
Bury Council has detailed proposals for three new neighbourhoods at Elton Reservoir, Walshaw, and Simister & Bowlee, featuring schools, community centres, and green spaces.
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