DWP Cold Weather Payments reach 802 postcodes
Over one million UK households receive £25 DWP Cold Weather Payments as 74 new postcodes are added. Check if you're eligible for the support this winter.
Category : Housing Issues
Council Grants Permission for Homeless HMO in Town Centre Hotel
Walsall Council has granted itself planning permission to convert the Midland Hotel into a 14-bed HMO for temporary homeless accommodation. Read the full details and planning concerns.
New HMO building plan submitted for Exeter's Heavitree Road
A full planning application for a new six-bedroom HMO building at 70-72 Heavitree Road, Exeter, has been submitted. Residents have until December 18, 2025, to comment.
Viral Cardiff house listing: 'Slip mat final boss'
A £770k Cardiff property listing has stunned viewers with its sea of floor mats. Discover the theories behind the viral 'housing horror' and the home's prime location.
Calls to Halt Forced Pre-Payment Meters Amid Secret Courts
Campaigners demand Labour and Ofgem stop forced prepayment meter installations as secret court processes continue. Read the latest on the energy debt scandal.
Kent Households Get £90 Cost of Living Support
Hard-up households in Kent on means-tested benefits are receiving £90 vouchers. The DWP's Household Support Fund scheme is now open for applications until 26 February 2026.
Storm Goretti's Triple Threat to UK Roofing
Experts warn heavy snow, wind, and thaw from Storm Goretti create a high-risk 'triple threat' to flat roofs, risking structural damage. Learn key safety advice.
£1m war chest to fight homelessness in West Midlands
West Midlands Mayor unveils a £1 million grant to support 700 vulnerable people facing homelessness. The funding will back 16 projects across the region, offering targeted help and new hope.
Oldham's £32m car park transformation into homes begins
Construction starts on a £32m project to build over 300 homes in Oldham, with 75 for social rent. The 'car-free' towers will revitalise a long-vacant site. Read more about this major regeneration.
Double £50 Cold Weather Payments for UK Households
The DWP is issuing automatic double payments of £50 to eligible households in 18 postcodes after temperatures stayed at 0°C or below for 14 consecutive days. Find out if you're affected.
£25 Cold Weather Payments Triggered in Midlands
Over half a million households in Staffordshire and Shropshire are due a £25 Cold Weather Payment after a freezing spell. See the full list of eligible postcodes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
£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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