FCA Proposes Major Mortgage Rule Changes for 2026
The UK's financial regulator unveils plans to modernise mortgage lending, aiming to help first-time buyers, the self-employed, and older borrowers. Reforms could begin in 2026.
Category : Housing Issues
Birmingham Traveller site plan delayed again
Birmingham's pilot scheme for negotiated Traveller stopping points faces further delays, missing its June and October start dates. Councillors slam the 'glacial pace' of progress. Read the latest.
Walsall Council grilled on housing and green belt
Walsall Council leaders will be questioned on housing targets, green belt development, and securing funding for affordable homes. Meeting set for January 12, 2026.
Birmingham's Traveller Site Pilot Faces Further Delays
Birmingham Council's pilot for temporary traveller sites is delayed again, with no start in sight. The plan aims to reduce unauthorised encampments and their associated costs.
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Stoke-on-Trent council rent hike of 4.8% proposed
Stoke-on-Trent City Council plans a 4.8% rent increase from April 2026, adding £4.29 weekly for tenants. Read the full details and impact on housing services.
New £7.4m affordable housing scheme for Wednesbury
A £7.4m development of 34 affordable homes is underway in Wednesbury, tackling an urgent need in the Black Country. The project will create jobs and apprenticeships.
£90 Cost of Living Payments Open in Kent
Kent households can apply for a new £90 cost of living payment from Thursday. Check eligibility for energy or food vouchers from the Household Support Fund.
£98 Energy Vouchers for Nottingham - Apply by Sunday
Nottingham City Council offers 1,000 £98 energy vouchers via the DWP Household Support Fund. Apply before midnight Sunday, 11 January 2026. Details inside.
Solihull's Cold Weather Shelter Extended for Storm
Solihull Council continues its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to protect rough sleepers from plummeting temperatures and the approaching Storm Goretti. Find out how to help.
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Brentwood MP Urges Help for Struggling Residents
Cold Weather Payments activated in Brentwood & Ongar postcodes. MP Alex Burghart highlights financial strain on households and signposts vital support services for those struggling.
Former Police Training Centre Could Become 76-Bed HMO
Plans to convert a former West Midlands Police training centre in Smethwick into a 76-bed HMO for healthcare workers and professionals are under consideration. Read the full details.
Bibury residents blast 'out of place' illuminated palm trees
Residents on England's 'prettiest street' are outraged by illuminated palm trees at a cottage renovation. Locals say the lights are better suited to Dubai or Benidorm. Read the full story.
Ex-Police Training Centre to Become 76-Bed HMO in Smethwick
A former West Midlands Police training centre in Smethwick could be converted into a 76-bed HMO to support key workers. Read the full plans and local regeneration details.
Former Wolverhampton M&S to be converted into 71 flats
Plans to transform Wolverhampton's empty Marks & Spencer into over 70 apartments get green light. The historic Dudley Street store closed last year after nearly a century.
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£110 Cost of Living payments for DWP benefit claimants
Cambridgeshire Council is offering new £110 payments to residents on benefits like Housing Benefit and PIP. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for the DWP Household Support Fund.
Fresh £98 Cost of Living Payments Start Monday in Leicestershire
Leicestershire households can apply for fresh support from the DWP's Household Support Fund from Monday, including £98 fuel vouchers and weekly payments to tackle hardship.
Pensioner faces £16k council tax bill after Labour changes
A London pensioner could pay £16,000 a year in council and mansion taxes after Labour's funding reforms. Discover the impact on homeowners and the six boroughs affected.
Apply for £200 DWP Utility Bonus in Portsmouth
Portsmouth residents on eight key DWP benefits can apply for a £200 Household Support Fund payment to help with rising utility costs. Deadline is 29 January 2026. Act now before funds run out.
£90 Cost of Living Cards Issued from 8 January
Vulnerable households in Kent can apply for a £90 pre-paid energy card from Thursday 8 January 2026. This final round of the Household Support Fund is first-come, first-served.
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Amazon's £10 dehumidifiers combat UK home damp
Homeowners praise ANSIO's disposable dehumidifiers for tackling mould and condensation. The 10-pack is now £9.94 on Amazon. See how they work and what users say.
Coventry £160 Cost of Living Payments Announced
Coventry households can apply for £160 support payments to help with energy bills. The Household Support Fund offers aid in two periods throughout 2026. Learn eligibility and how to apply.
Birmingham £200 hardship grants: What you need to know
Birmingham households can apply for special £200 cost of living payments. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim before the March 2026 deadline.
Birmingham £200 hardship grants arrive in January
Birmingham City Council is distributing £200 hardship grants this month to residents struggling with food and energy bills. Funded by the DWP, here's who is eligible and how to apply.
£150 energy bill boost for Universal Credit households
Millions on Universal Credit will get a one-off £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, with many receiving it in January. Find out if you qualify and how the scheme works.
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£85 Cost of Living Vouchers for Shropshire Households
Telford & Wrekin Council announces £85 supermarket vouchers for eligible pensioners and extended food voucher scheme for children, funded by DWP's extended Household Support Fund.
Amazon deal: Aribio dehumidifier now £89.99
Homeowners battling condensation can save 31% on a top-rated Aribio dehumidifier in a limited Amazon Prime deal. The device extracts 12L of moisture daily and has a quiet sleep mode.
120 New Homes Proposed for Solihull Green Belt in Shirley
Taylor Wimpey has submitted plans to build 120 homes, half affordable, on green belt land off Stratford Road in Shirley. The public consultation is open until January 27.
Five-bed HMO plan recommended for approval in Oldbury
A plan to extend an Oldbury HMO from three to five bedrooms is recommended for approval by council officers, despite a petition from neighbours. The original seven-bed proposal was scaled down.
Travellers return to Birmingham park after eviction
Unauthorised encampment is back at Daisy Farm Recreation Ground, causing resident frustration and council action. Read the latest on the ongoing situation.
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Welsh Housebuilder Upbeat on 2026 Housing Market Outlook
Family-run builder Llanmoor Homes reports a surge in enquiries post-Budget, predicting a strong 2026 for Welsh housing. Lower interest rates and Help to Buy scheme fuel optimism.
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